26 may 2014
The Israeli occupation navy on Monday fired on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast of northern Gaza governorate, injuring a Palestinian fisherman, a medical official has said. Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said in a statement that the fisherman sustained moderate injuries as a result of the Israeli naval firing on his boat.
Gaza fishermen are subject to repeated Israeli unfair measures that including arrests and reduction of the fishing zone.
In the Oslo Accords, Israel agreed to a 20-nautical-mile fishing zone off Gaza's coast but it imposed a 3-mile limit for several years, opening fire at fishermen who strayed further.
‘Israel’ has controlled Gaza waters since its occupation of the area in 1967, and has kept several warships stationed off the coast since 2008.
Of the Gaza Strip's roughly 1.8 million inhabitants, about 40,000 earn their living from fishing, according to the Palestinian Fishermen's Union.
Gaza fishermen are subject to repeated Israeli unfair measures that including arrests and reduction of the fishing zone.
In the Oslo Accords, Israel agreed to a 20-nautical-mile fishing zone off Gaza's coast but it imposed a 3-mile limit for several years, opening fire at fishermen who strayed further.
‘Israel’ has controlled Gaza waters since its occupation of the area in 1967, and has kept several warships stationed off the coast since 2008.
Of the Gaza Strip's roughly 1.8 million inhabitants, about 40,000 earn their living from fishing, according to the Palestinian Fishermen's Union.
Young Palestinians were abused by Israeli soldiers and two were detained in the unrecognized Bedouin village of Sawa in Negev on Sunday, residents said.
The clashes began after Israeli authorities placed posters of demolition orders on buildings, they said.
Obaida Hasan al-Khawatra and Othman Muhammed al-Qasasi were detained by Israeli police, who completely blocked off the village.
Salameh al-Qasasi, a resident of the village, said that “they put orders of demolitions on houses of the village and abused one of the young men and the detained him.”
Some 300 out of 1,500 people who live in the unrecognized village demanded in August 2013 that Israel postpone the demolition orders until they are able to find a place to live in the nearby town of Hura.
But the Israeli building and construction authority ordered families in Sawa to leave in 2007 claiming that it was a “military area” and they have been trying to find substitute residences ever since.
However, the negotiations were not enough to find a substitute residence for these families who have been demanding to postpone the demolitions orders of their houses.
Witnesses told Ma’an that the police detained a young man who was filming them and fired tear gas which led to moving several women to hospitals near Hura town.
The clashes began after Israeli authorities placed posters of demolition orders on buildings, they said.
Obaida Hasan al-Khawatra and Othman Muhammed al-Qasasi were detained by Israeli police, who completely blocked off the village.
Salameh al-Qasasi, a resident of the village, said that “they put orders of demolitions on houses of the village and abused one of the young men and the detained him.”
Some 300 out of 1,500 people who live in the unrecognized village demanded in August 2013 that Israel postpone the demolition orders until they are able to find a place to live in the nearby town of Hura.
But the Israeli building and construction authority ordered families in Sawa to leave in 2007 claiming that it was a “military area” and they have been trying to find substitute residences ever since.
However, the negotiations were not enough to find a substitute residence for these families who have been demanding to postpone the demolitions orders of their houses.
Witnesses told Ma’an that the police detained a young man who was filming them and fired tear gas which led to moving several women to hospitals near Hura town.
Israeli navy gunboats fired at the northern Gaza Strip shores at noon Monday injuring a citizen, medical sources reported. Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra, the health ministry spokesman, told the PIC reporter that a 24-year-old man was moderately wounded in the shooting.
He added that the victim was transferred to hospital where doctors said that he suffered bullets wounds in his hand and back.
He added that the victim was transferred to hospital where doctors said that he suffered bullets wounds in his hand and back.
An Israeli military force at dawn Monday raided Idna town west of al-Khalil south of the Occupied West Bank. According to Palestinian security sources, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) set up a military checkpoint at the main entrance to the town while several military patrols carried out raids into the area.
In a related event, violent clashes broke out as IOF raided Al-Amari refugee camp in Ramallah. Blasts were heard around the camp.
Along the same line, Sidi Bou’ez settlers attacked Palestinians’ lands and damaged several grapes south of Bethlehem in the Occupied West Bank after having released sheep herds in the land. More than 120 fruitful grapes have been knocked down in the process, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlement in Khader village, Ahmad Salah, documented.
Settlers dug an absorption hole in the area and damaged Palestinians’ crops. The area has been frequently targeted by settler attacks and confiscations under heavy shield by IOF, Salah added.
In another event, IOF denied Palestinian farmers and citizens’ access into Daher Sobh area, north of Kafr Ad-Dik, west of Salfit, where bulldozing procedures have been going on for three days in a row.
According to Kafr Ad-Dik native Mahmoud Al-Ahmad tear gas canisters and rubber bullets were fired on Sunday by IOF on Palestinian citizens, who rushed to save their lands from Israeli razing procedures.
The Israeli Occupation Authorities are claiming land ownership under authorization of Israeli courthouses after having issued an order since 1985 outlawing such razing operations in Daher Sobh. Such violations present flagrant breaches to international laws prohibiting Israeli settlement in the area, Researcher Khaled Maali stated.
In a related event, violent clashes broke out as IOF raided Al-Amari refugee camp in Ramallah. Blasts were heard around the camp.
Along the same line, Sidi Bou’ez settlers attacked Palestinians’ lands and damaged several grapes south of Bethlehem in the Occupied West Bank after having released sheep herds in the land. More than 120 fruitful grapes have been knocked down in the process, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlement in Khader village, Ahmad Salah, documented.
Settlers dug an absorption hole in the area and damaged Palestinians’ crops. The area has been frequently targeted by settler attacks and confiscations under heavy shield by IOF, Salah added.
In another event, IOF denied Palestinian farmers and citizens’ access into Daher Sobh area, north of Kafr Ad-Dik, west of Salfit, where bulldozing procedures have been going on for three days in a row.
According to Kafr Ad-Dik native Mahmoud Al-Ahmad tear gas canisters and rubber bullets were fired on Sunday by IOF on Palestinian citizens, who rushed to save their lands from Israeli razing procedures.
The Israeli Occupation Authorities are claiming land ownership under authorization of Israeli courthouses after having issued an order since 1985 outlawing such razing operations in Daher Sobh. Such violations present flagrant breaches to international laws prohibiting Israeli settlement in the area, Researcher Khaled Maali stated.
A Palestinian child suffered serious spinal injury and became paraplegic after he and two of his little brothers came under fire a few days ago from Israeli soldiers to the east of Deir Al-Balah district in the Gaza Strip. According to Al-Mizan center for human rights, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) last Friday evening opened machinegun fire at three child brothers, namely Mohamed Abu Shehadeh, 16, and his brothers Bashar, 14, and Jaber, 5, during their presence in an agricultural land located 350 meters away from the security fence to the east of Deir Al-Balah.
The children were collecting hay from a field owned by a Palestinian citizen from Deir Al-Balah when the IOF opened fire with no reason.
The eldest of the three brothers, Mohamed, suffered a serious internal injury when a bullet hit his right shoulder and penetrated deep into his body, cutting his spinal cord and causing vertebral damage.
When one of their uncles arrived at the scene and attempted to save the kids, the IOF also opened fire at him and fired some artillery shells at the area. Fortunately, the two other children were evacuated safely from the area.
The wounded child stayed at the area for about one and a half hours before a Red Cross ambulance was able to drive him to Shuhada'a Al-Aqsa hospital. Because of the seriousness of his condition, he was later transferred to Shifa hospital in Gaza city.
The children were collecting hay from a field owned by a Palestinian citizen from Deir Al-Balah when the IOF opened fire with no reason.
The eldest of the three brothers, Mohamed, suffered a serious internal injury when a bullet hit his right shoulder and penetrated deep into his body, cutting his spinal cord and causing vertebral damage.
When one of their uncles arrived at the scene and attempted to save the kids, the IOF also opened fire at him and fired some artillery shells at the area. Fortunately, the two other children were evacuated safely from the area.
The wounded child stayed at the area for about one and a half hours before a Red Cross ambulance was able to drive him to Shuhada'a Al-Aqsa hospital. Because of the seriousness of his condition, he was later transferred to Shifa hospital in Gaza city.
Violent confrontations broke out on Monday morning between dozens of Palestinian young men and Israeli army patrols around Joseph’s tomb amid heavy firing of rubber bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs by Israeli soldiers. Eye-witnesses told PIC correspondent around 20 buses crammed with hundreds of extremist Israeli settlers invaded Joseph’s tomb at around 2 a.m. under pretext of religious prayers and under heavy guard by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOA). Israeli helicopters, meanwhile, kept on hovering over the area.
Mobile toilets and podiums were carried by IOF into the area, eye-witnesses further reported.
In a related event, IOF stormed eastern Nablus on Sunday, where several attacks against Palestinian youths were launched throughout.
Dozens of Israeli military vehicles moved into Amman and Jerusalem streets, among many other Palestinian quarters, amid heavy firing of sound bombs and tear gas canisters by IOF, PIC correspondent has been further informed by eye-witnesses.
Bystanders in the shrine of Joseph’s Tomb said Israeli military vehicles stationed in the main entrances to the city so as to pave the way for settler attacks under the religious pretext.
Mobile toilets and podiums were carried by IOF into the area, eye-witnesses further reported.
In a related event, IOF stormed eastern Nablus on Sunday, where several attacks against Palestinian youths were launched throughout.
Dozens of Israeli military vehicles moved into Amman and Jerusalem streets, among many other Palestinian quarters, amid heavy firing of sound bombs and tear gas canisters by IOF, PIC correspondent has been further informed by eye-witnesses.
Bystanders in the shrine of Joseph’s Tomb said Israeli military vehicles stationed in the main entrances to the city so as to pave the way for settler attacks under the religious pretext.
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Israeli forces detained eight Palestinians from the al-Suwwana neighborhood and Damascus Gate during restrictions for Pope Francis' visit to Jerusalem on Sunday, residents said.
A Ma'an reporter said that Israeli forces detained four youths of al-Suwwana and assaulted citizens before and after the pope’s visit. They prevented them from being in front of their houses or in the alleys of neighborhoods, placed gates and spread soldiers in the streets and neighborhoods and on the rooftops of houses. Witnesses said Israeli forces detained Raid al-Ammouri, Anas al-Imam, Ali Abu Gharbieh, and Ihab Abu Gharbieh while they were in front of their houses in al-Suwwana. |
Israeli forces also assaulted Ahmad al-Ammouri, Tamer Abu Gharbieh, Ihab Abu Gharbieh, and child Ahmad Abu Gharbieh with their hands and their rifles.
After Francis left al-Suwwana, forces shot rubber-coated steel bullets at youths who were standing outside their doors to welcome the pope.
Residents of al-Suwwana said that Israeli forces shut down the roads with gates from 5 a.m to 8 p.m., shut down the main street and other streets, and prevented pedestrians and cars from passing as part of security.
Residents refused these procedures in their neighborhood and blamed Israel for the disputes.
They also prevented Christian families from welcoming and greeting the pope, residents said.
Israeli police detained four Christian young men and assaulted Christian families who tried to gather to welcome the pope.
An Israeli police spokesman said he was not aware of any arrests during the pope's visit.
After Francis left al-Suwwana, forces shot rubber-coated steel bullets at youths who were standing outside their doors to welcome the pope.
Residents of al-Suwwana said that Israeli forces shut down the roads with gates from 5 a.m to 8 p.m., shut down the main street and other streets, and prevented pedestrians and cars from passing as part of security.
Residents refused these procedures in their neighborhood and blamed Israel for the disputes.
They also prevented Christian families from welcoming and greeting the pope, residents said.
Israeli police detained four Christian young men and assaulted Christian families who tried to gather to welcome the pope.
An Israeli police spokesman said he was not aware of any arrests during the pope's visit.
25 may 2014
A Palestinian young man was wounded near Beit Hanun (Erez) crossing in northern Gaza Strip at the hands of Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at noon Sunday. Security sources told the PIC reporter that the young man Mohammed Kafarne was hit with a bullet in his foot and was hospitalized at a local hospital.
They said that Mohammed was among a group of workers collecting gravel near the crossing when IOF soldiers opened fired at them.
They said that Mohammed was among a group of workers collecting gravel near the crossing when IOF soldiers opened fired at them.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Sunday blocked Palestinian farmers in southern Nablus from reaping their crops for the second day running. Farmers told the PIC reporter that IOF patrols were deployed in and around fields east of Aqraba village, south of Nablus, and denied the farmers access into their lands.
Ghassan Daghlas, in charge with monitoring settlement activity north of the West Bank, said on Saturday that dozens of farmers were blocked from entering their land in the same area.
He said that the soldiers told those farmers that the area was a closed military zone and they could not enter it to reap their wheat crop.
Ghassan Daghlas, in charge with monitoring settlement activity north of the West Bank, said on Saturday that dozens of farmers were blocked from entering their land in the same area.
He said that the soldiers told those farmers that the area was a closed military zone and they could not enter it to reap their wheat crop.
Palestinian medical sources said dozens of Palestinians were injured after Israeli soldiers attacked a nonviolent protest in support of the detainees, in Hebron, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank.
The sources said that the soldiers shot at least one Palestinian with live rounds, while several Palestinians were beaten, and dozens suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation.
The Israeli assaults came after hundreds of Palestinians marched in Hebron, in a protest organized by the Hebron Defense Committee and the National Committee against the Wall and Settlements.
The procession started in the al-Fawwar refugee camp, and headed towards the main bypass road #60.
The protesters carried Palestinian flags, pictures of hunger striking detainees, pictures of detained children, in addition to posters demanding an end to the occupation and the release of all prisoners.
As the protesters arrived at the main gate, installed by the army at the western entrance of the camp, the army closed the gate and showered them with gas bombs and concussion grenades.
Resident Emad Abu Shamsiyya, an activist of the Hebron Defense Committee, was also shot in his right leg after a soldier deliberately fired a gas bomb at him. Dozens of Palestinians have been treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Bassam Shweiki, also with the Hebron Defense Committee, stated the protest comes in solidarity of the detainees, held under illegal, arbitrary Administrative Detention policies, who started their hunger strike 31 days ago.
“The protest is against this illegal occupation, the entity that imprisons the Palestinians,” Shweiki added. “More support, more protests, are urgently needed in every part of occupied Palestine.”
Rateb Jabour, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements, stated that the Palestinians will continue to support the detainees, and their legitimate struggle for human rights and freedom.
The sources said that the soldiers shot at least one Palestinian with live rounds, while several Palestinians were beaten, and dozens suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation.
The Israeli assaults came after hundreds of Palestinians marched in Hebron, in a protest organized by the Hebron Defense Committee and the National Committee against the Wall and Settlements.
The procession started in the al-Fawwar refugee camp, and headed towards the main bypass road #60.
The protesters carried Palestinian flags, pictures of hunger striking detainees, pictures of detained children, in addition to posters demanding an end to the occupation and the release of all prisoners.
As the protesters arrived at the main gate, installed by the army at the western entrance of the camp, the army closed the gate and showered them with gas bombs and concussion grenades.
Resident Emad Abu Shamsiyya, an activist of the Hebron Defense Committee, was also shot in his right leg after a soldier deliberately fired a gas bomb at him. Dozens of Palestinians have been treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Bassam Shweiki, also with the Hebron Defense Committee, stated the protest comes in solidarity of the detainees, held under illegal, arbitrary Administrative Detention policies, who started their hunger strike 31 days ago.
“The protest is against this illegal occupation, the entity that imprisons the Palestinians,” Shweiki added. “More support, more protests, are urgently needed in every part of occupied Palestine.”
Rateb Jabour, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements, stated that the Palestinians will continue to support the detainees, and their legitimate struggle for human rights and freedom.
24 may 2014
Three Palestinians have been injured in clashes with Israeli occupation army erupted in the Dora town to the south-west of Hebron, southern West Bank. A Palestinian security official said Saturday that Israeli troops raided the Dora town interiors at dawn, provoking the residents who responded by pelting stones at them.
The invading forces also raided the al-Aroub refugee camp in northern Hebron and ransacked the citizens’ houses, spreading fear among the civilians.
Friday, May 23, saw massive protests across the occupied central and southern West Bank towns of Bilin, al-Masara, and Nabi Saleh, frequented by weekly rallies against the Annexation Wall and settlement building.
Hundreds of Palestinian youths and international activists, including the parents of Rachel Corrie, participated in this Friday protests, showing solidarity with over 130 administrative detainees in Israeli jails on hunger strike for 31 days.
The protesters held placards and banners reading 'Salt and Water = freedom', in a reference to the daily meals of Palestinian hunger strikers.
The invading forces also raided the al-Aroub refugee camp in northern Hebron and ransacked the citizens’ houses, spreading fear among the civilians.
Friday, May 23, saw massive protests across the occupied central and southern West Bank towns of Bilin, al-Masara, and Nabi Saleh, frequented by weekly rallies against the Annexation Wall and settlement building.
Hundreds of Palestinian youths and international activists, including the parents of Rachel Corrie, participated in this Friday protests, showing solidarity with over 130 administrative detainees in Israeli jails on hunger strike for 31 days.
The protesters held placards and banners reading 'Salt and Water = freedom', in a reference to the daily meals of Palestinian hunger strikers.
Israeli soldiers shot and injured a Palestinian farmer along the border fence east of Deir al-Balah, in the middle of the Gaza Strip. Dr Ashraf al-Qidra, the health ministry spokesman, told Al Ray that a 17-year-old farmer was injured in the shoulder as Israeli artillery opened fire towards the agricultural land.
The injured was taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah and his injury was said to be moderate.
The Israeli occupation army said they only shot after fire was opened towards Israeli forces in the area, AFP reported.
Palestinian resistance operatives in Gaza fired a hand-made rocket on southern Israel after the Israeli shooting, without causing casualties or damage.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the Israeli military to immediately stop shooting at Palestinian civilians inside Gaza, in a report of the international organized issued on April 25.
Israeli military forces killed 4 and wounded more than 60 civilians near the perimeter fence with Gaza since the beginning of 2014, according to UN figures.
The buffer zone is between 500 meters and 1500 meters into the Strip, effectively turning local farms into no-go zones.
According to UNOCHA, 17 percent of Gaza's total land area and 35 percent of its agricultural land were within the buffer zone as of 2010, directly affecting the lives and livelihoods of more than 100,000 Gazans.
The injured was taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah and his injury was said to be moderate.
The Israeli occupation army said they only shot after fire was opened towards Israeli forces in the area, AFP reported.
Palestinian resistance operatives in Gaza fired a hand-made rocket on southern Israel after the Israeli shooting, without causing casualties or damage.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the Israeli military to immediately stop shooting at Palestinian civilians inside Gaza, in a report of the international organized issued on April 25.
Israeli military forces killed 4 and wounded more than 60 civilians near the perimeter fence with Gaza since the beginning of 2014, according to UN figures.
The buffer zone is between 500 meters and 1500 meters into the Strip, effectively turning local farms into no-go zones.
According to UNOCHA, 17 percent of Gaza's total land area and 35 percent of its agricultural land were within the buffer zone as of 2010, directly affecting the lives and livelihoods of more than 100,000 Gazans.
A Palestinian man was slightly wounded in Israeli occupation forces’ shooting at Palestinian land to the south east of Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza Strip on Friday evening. Palestinian security sources told the PIC reporter that IOF soldiers positioned near Abu Safiya military base opened heavy fire at the border area wounding the passing man.
Medical crews in ambulance vehicles evacuated the wounded man to a hospital where his injuries were described as minor.
Another man was injured by a teargas canister that was fired by IOF troops to the east of Jabaliya, north of Gaza Strip.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra, the health ministry spokesman, said that a 23-year-old man was slightly injured in his abdomen with a teargas bomb.
IOF soldiers had raided northern Gaza Strip earlier on Friday and bulldozed land, eyewitnesses said, adding that Israeli special forces in three armored vehicles escorted four bulldozers that leveled vast tracts of land to the east of Jabaliya.
Medical crews in ambulance vehicles evacuated the wounded man to a hospital where his injuries were described as minor.
Another man was injured by a teargas canister that was fired by IOF troops to the east of Jabaliya, north of Gaza Strip.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra, the health ministry spokesman, said that a 23-year-old man was slightly injured in his abdomen with a teargas bomb.
IOF soldiers had raided northern Gaza Strip earlier on Friday and bulldozed land, eyewitnesses said, adding that Israeli special forces in three armored vehicles escorted four bulldozers that leveled vast tracts of land to the east of Jabaliya.
Israeli forces dispersed Friday demonstrations in solidarity with hunger-striking prisoners and in protest against the illegal Israeli occupation and its apartheid wall in three West Bank cities on Friday, including in Bilin, al-Masara and Nabi Saleh. Dozens were injured after soldiers opened fire on protesters with rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas canisters.
In Bilin, near Ramallah, Ma'an reports that the army fired tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber-coated steel bullets at participants engaged in a solidarity protest for more than 100 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have been on hunger strike for a month, as well as against continued Israeli settlement construction and the massive "separation barrier" which coarses through the region.
Israel began building the wall in 2002, and has been the target of regular demonstrations by border towns whose land is cut off by its path, inhibiting freedom of movement and invoking profound humiliation and dissent among Palestinian residents.
Previous protests by Bilin activists forced Israeli authorities to re-route the wall, but large chunks of the village still remain inaccessible to residents because of the wall.
Craig and Cindy Corrie, the parents of American activist Rachel Corrie who was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003, participated in the protest along with other Palestinians and Israelis, as well as international activists.
In al-Masara village, to the south of Bethlehem, Ma'an further reports that Israeli forces also dispersed a solidarity protest in support of hunger-striking prisoners.
Dozens marched through the village, raising Palestinian flags and posters of prisoners, before they were stopped by Israeli forces, near the entrance of the village, where they were prevented from reaching their confiscated lands.
Since 2006, the residents of al-Masara have protested the Israeli occupation on a weekly basis, as well.
Israeli forces also targeted a weekly protest in support of prisoners in the village of Nabi Saleh, where they fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at the entrance of the village, causing a number of injuries and suffocations due to tear gas inhalation.
Israeli forces had abducted one Odai al-Tamimi, aged 21, in an overnight raid, provoking an outrage among residents, according to local organizers.
According to Ma'an, the village is also the site of weekly protests against the Israeli occupation, with residents demanding their lands, confiscated by Israeli forces to build a Jewish-only settlement, nearby, be returned to them.
Dozens of injuries reported during clashes in Silwad and Bilin
More than 25 Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday as violent clashes broke out in Silwad town east of Ramallah. Many were injured with rubber bullets, while a Palestinian young man was hit with a tear gas canister in the head before being transferred to hospital, eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter.
Meanwhile, Palestinian protesters took to the streets in Silwad town, near Ramallah, on the eighth anniversary of leader Ibrahim Hamed's arrest, while holding prisoners' pictures. They stoned a bypass road used by settlers and an Israeli military checkpoint west of the town.
Dozens of Palestinian families suffered breathing difficulties after inhaling tear gas bombs intensively fired by Israeli forces during the clashes.
On the other hand, clashes erupted in Beitunia town, west of Ramallah, between dozens of Palestinian youths and occupation forces who fired tear gas bombs and rubber bullets. Some injuries were reported during the clashes.
Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinians and foreign activists were injured on Friday when Israeli forces suppressed a weekly march in Bil'in village in solidarity with administrative detainees.
According to local sources, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas and sound bombs towards the participants upon their arrival at the Apartheid Wall built on the village's western lands. Dozens of protesters and foreign peace activists suffered breathing problems during the clashes.
Solidarity marches have continued throughout the West Bank in support of the hunger striking administrative detainees
In Bilin, near Ramallah, Ma'an reports that the army fired tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber-coated steel bullets at participants engaged in a solidarity protest for more than 100 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have been on hunger strike for a month, as well as against continued Israeli settlement construction and the massive "separation barrier" which coarses through the region.
Israel began building the wall in 2002, and has been the target of regular demonstrations by border towns whose land is cut off by its path, inhibiting freedom of movement and invoking profound humiliation and dissent among Palestinian residents.
Previous protests by Bilin activists forced Israeli authorities to re-route the wall, but large chunks of the village still remain inaccessible to residents because of the wall.
Craig and Cindy Corrie, the parents of American activist Rachel Corrie who was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003, participated in the protest along with other Palestinians and Israelis, as well as international activists.
In al-Masara village, to the south of Bethlehem, Ma'an further reports that Israeli forces also dispersed a solidarity protest in support of hunger-striking prisoners.
Dozens marched through the village, raising Palestinian flags and posters of prisoners, before they were stopped by Israeli forces, near the entrance of the village, where they were prevented from reaching their confiscated lands.
Since 2006, the residents of al-Masara have protested the Israeli occupation on a weekly basis, as well.
Israeli forces also targeted a weekly protest in support of prisoners in the village of Nabi Saleh, where they fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at the entrance of the village, causing a number of injuries and suffocations due to tear gas inhalation.
Israeli forces had abducted one Odai al-Tamimi, aged 21, in an overnight raid, provoking an outrage among residents, according to local organizers.
According to Ma'an, the village is also the site of weekly protests against the Israeli occupation, with residents demanding their lands, confiscated by Israeli forces to build a Jewish-only settlement, nearby, be returned to them.
Dozens of injuries reported during clashes in Silwad and Bilin
More than 25 Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday as violent clashes broke out in Silwad town east of Ramallah. Many were injured with rubber bullets, while a Palestinian young man was hit with a tear gas canister in the head before being transferred to hospital, eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter.
Meanwhile, Palestinian protesters took to the streets in Silwad town, near Ramallah, on the eighth anniversary of leader Ibrahim Hamed's arrest, while holding prisoners' pictures. They stoned a bypass road used by settlers and an Israeli military checkpoint west of the town.
Dozens of Palestinian families suffered breathing difficulties after inhaling tear gas bombs intensively fired by Israeli forces during the clashes.
On the other hand, clashes erupted in Beitunia town, west of Ramallah, between dozens of Palestinian youths and occupation forces who fired tear gas bombs and rubber bullets. Some injuries were reported during the clashes.
Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinians and foreign activists were injured on Friday when Israeli forces suppressed a weekly march in Bil'in village in solidarity with administrative detainees.
According to local sources, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas and sound bombs towards the participants upon their arrival at the Apartheid Wall built on the village's western lands. Dozens of protesters and foreign peace activists suffered breathing problems during the clashes.
Solidarity marches have continued throughout the West Bank in support of the hunger striking administrative detainees