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Protesters, security forces clash
Photo: Haim Tzach
Angry protester
Photo:AP

20 anti-fence protesters injured near Bilin

Palestinians, Israeli left-wing activists mark second anniversary of their campaign against security fence section near Bilin

Twenty protesters where injured on Friday in clashes with security forces near the Palestinian village of Bilin, where villagers and left-wing protesters staged a demonstration to mark the second anniversary of their campaign against the security fence section there.

 

Hundreds of Israeli and foreign activists joined dozens of Palestinian villagers to mark the passing of two years since their struggle began against the expropriation of Palestinian land to build the fence and expand a Jewish settlement in the area.

 

Protesters said Israeli army soldiers and Border Guard policemen attacked them when they approached the fence using stun and teargas grenades.

 

One of the protesters, an Israeli, was injured by a teargas grenade, activists said.

 

The army said soldiers spotted a number of protesters spraying their comrades with red spray to make it look as if they had been injured by army and police fire.

 

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), was among a handful of paramedics who attended to injured protesters.

 

A number of other PLC members, as well as Arab Israeli MK Jamal Zahalkeh, were also present.

 

Protesters blocked a gate in the fence to prevent soldiers and policemen from entering the village.

 

On Sunday the High Court heard the final hearing on the disputed fence section. Settlers argue that the fence is necessary to protect a new Jewish neighborhood in the settlement of Matatyahu.

 

The Palestinians and left-wing activists say the fence is being erected for purely political considerations and does not contribute to Israel's security.

 


פרסום ראשון: 02.23.07, 16:22
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