Israeli forces attacked, on Friday, the weekly anti-settlement march in the village of Kufur Qaddoum, east of Qalqilia, in the northwestern part of the occupied West Bank, injuring dozens of Palestinians.
Local Palestinians participated in the weekly procession, denouncing the ongoing Israeli colonization and settlement activities, and to demand the occupation authorities re-open the road that was closed in 2003.
Soldiers positioned themselves at the entrance to the village and opened fire with rubber-coated steel rounds and tear gas canisters at demonstrators.
At least seven young men were shot and injured with rubber-coated steel rounds, while dozens of others suffered the toxic effects of tear gas inhalation.
Local medics provided medical treatment to all injuries at the scene.
Israeli settlers from the nearby illegal “Kedumin” colony, established on expropriated Palestinian lands, have full access to the street, while Palestinians are forced to take longer routes east to Nablus city, the nearest major commercial center, prolonging travel time.
Palestinian villagers from Kufur Qaddoum and the surrounding areas, have rallied every Friday since 2003 demanding that the Israeli occupation authorities reopen the road.
