Israeli army attacks nonviolent protest near Bethlehem

Friday September 14, 2007 14:53 by Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News

Israeli troops attacked a nonviolent demonstration in the village of Al Walaja, west of the southern west bank city of Bethlehem, on Friday afternoon.

Around 100 Palestinians, internationals and Israeli activists marched with local villagers in protest against the construction of an illegal road on village-owned land.

The road in question was illegally built by the Israeli army several years ago. After the legality of the construction was questioned in an Israeli court, it was ruled illegal. This order was ignored by the Israeli army, who prevented any change from being to the road.

After marching to the site of the road, protestors took part in Friday prayers, after which a number of speeches were delivered.

Soon after, a massive number of Israeli troops surrounded the protest, giving it five minutes to disperse. After the allotted time passed, soldiers attacked with batons and sound bombs, and tear gas. Several cases of gas inhalation and light wounds were reported.

An IMEMC correspondent said that the soldiers abused him and other local and international journalists.

bethlehem | non-violent action | news report ghassanb at imemc dot org