(VIDEO) Violence in Neve Dekalim: When security forces stormed the community of Neve Dekalim Tuesday morning it was clear that a confrontation was only a matter of time.
By midday, violent clashes broke out between settlers and the hundreds of security forces who entered Gush Katif’s largest community. Right-wing activists burned a garbage container, punctured the tires of buses meant to transport detainees, and hurled eggs, empty bottles, and paint balls at troops. About 50 protesters were detained, dragged to two buses by special Border Police forces, and driven out of the Gaza Strip , while thick black smoke rose above the scene.
Mayhem in Neve Dekalim (Video: Channel 2)
Three right-wing activists sustained light injuries in the clashes, while a police officer was also lightly injured after an unknown substance was thrown in his face and hit his eye.
The good news for the IDF come from northern Gaza, where police officials transferred responsibility over the settlements of Nisanit, Dugit, and Elei Sinai to the army.
The move came after the overwhelming majority of residents left the area. The first phase of the evacuation, which will include only several families who insist on resisting the pullout, is expected to begin Wednesday.
Settlers try to block shipping containers
The violence in Neve Dekalim broke out after right-wing activists attempted to block shipping containers from reaching the homes of settlers who wish to evacuate the community voluntarily. Earlier Monday, IDF Central Command Head Dan Harel said the top priority troops are concentrating on is to allow any residents who wish to depart to do so peacefully, adding the army would no longer display patience.
During morning hours, forces exercised restraint towards the settlers and even engaged in dialogue with them, despite repeated attempts by settlers to block containers.
However, when trucks carrying containers started to enter the community shortly before 12 p.m., dozens of settlers, including youngsters, gathered in the area and attempted to block the trucks. Police officials, who maintained restraint until that point, decided it was time to act and dispatched Border Guard forces to the scene.
The clashes took place near the local council’s building, with forces attempting to clear the road and allow the containers to reach their destination. Meanwhile, troops were assigned to guard the containers and prevent any damage to them.
Right-wing activist dragged away
Police officers used force to make their way towards the containers, progressing step by step. Leading Rabbi Shlomo Aviner watched the violence from the side but did not say a word.
In recent days, Aviner spoke to young anti-pullout activists and attempted to explain the battle tactics to them. Now, he says: “In the evacuation of Yamit (in 1982) everything at least was done in an orderly manner and people were given time before they were evacuated. Here, people have nowhere to go.”
Fire in Neve Dekalim
Meanwhile, Gaza Beach Regional Council Chairman Avner Shimoni called on Neve Dekalim youngsters to refrain from clashing with the troops.
“They are only following an order, and the clash could only shorten the life of Neve Dekalim,” he said.
Palestinians protest
Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinian Hamas supporters, led by armed men from the Hamas’ military wing Izz al-Din al-Qassam, staged a protest in the Gaza town of Khan Younis to celebrate the pullout and the “victory over the IDF and the settlers.”
The rally ended near the Tapuach roadblock, which separates Khan Younis from Neve Dekalim. At the end of the protest, Hamas members delivered speeches and congratulated the Palestinian people for their victory.
The protesters were kept away from Neve Dekalim by Palestinian security forces, who erected a security fence in the area.
-Ronny Sofer, Ali Waked and Anat Barshkovsky contributed to the story
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