Nine injured, four kidnapped in Bil’in’s weekly anti-wall protest

Friday November 16, 2007 19:33 by IMEMC Staff

The villagers of Bil'in, located northwest of Ramallah in the West Bank, along with their international and Israeli supporters, conducted their weekly protest against the illegal Israeli wall built on the village land. This week, French parliamentarians, municipality leaders, union representatives, left wing political faction officials and other EU officials joined the villagers of Bil'in.

Bilin's anti-wall nonviolent protest (Archive)

The theme of the protest on Friday was encouraging the Palestinians to continue the non violent resistance against the illegal Israeli wall and settlements, and the continuation of the joint national work to accomplish justice for peace.

As with each week, the protesters marched after the midday Friday prayers, towards the location of the wall. On the way the Israeli soldiers established a military barricade and warned the protesters that if they crossed, they would be attacked. The protesters tried to cross as soldiers showered them with tear gas, rubber coated metal bullets and sound grenades. Nine were injured, among them an international supporter and a Palestinian journalist.

In addition to the nine injured, four protesters were kidnapped by the Israeli groups; one American, one Israeli and two local village organizers, Mohammed Al Khateeb and his brother Mustafa.

Midday on Thursday the Israeli army attacked a peaceful demonstration on the settlers' road known as road 443 which had been organized by villagers from several villages west of Ramallah,. Sources at the protest told IMEMC that the protesters marched towards the road, then held midday prayers there. Shortly after, the Israeli army attacked the participants with rifle-butts and batons. No injuries or kidnappings were reported.

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