Security fence protesters, IDF clash

Palestinian, Israel and international left-wing activists gather at West Bank village of Biliin to demonstrate against construction of security fence; several protesters injured after troops fire tear gas into mosque, IDF soldier and photographer lightly injured

Ali Waked |Published: 09.02.05 , 17:22

Anti-security fence protesters, including Palestinians and left-wing activists from Israel and abroad clashed with IDF troops and Border Guard police near the West Bank village of Biliin Friday.

An IDF soldier was lightly injured after he was attacked by an activist, and a photographer was lightly injured after he was hit in the face by a stone, when he was caught in the crossfire between protesters and IDF troops.

The two were treated on the spot and did not need further medical assistance.

In addition, several protesters were injured after security forces fired tear gas into a local mosque.

The IDF declared the area a closed military zone during the clash; however the protesters refused to adhere to the army's order and proceeded with their protest against the construction of the security fence.

The protesters also presented a skit in which Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was portrayed as a bulldozer trampling Arab olive trees.

Two activists taken in for questioning

The clash began following the end of the noon prayer service, when dozens of Palestinians and left-wing activists gathered at the entrance to the Biliin village.

According to the IDF, soldiers explained to the protesters their gathering was illegal. However they proceeded to violate the order, which result in the security forces having to us tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Two protesters were taken in for questioning, including left-wing activist Yonatan Pollak.

Israeli and Palestinian demonstrators claimed that during the clash, some 70 Border Guard police surrounded the mosque and began firing tear gas and shock grenades following the end of the noon prayer service, in a bid to prevent the worshippers from joining the protest.

Palestinians said the protest only began after soldiers attacked the mosque.

"The incident at the mosque indicates an increase in violence used by the army and police against anti-security fence protesters and village residents," one local activist said.