Na'alin under blockade as IDF fights protests
Citing increasing violence at demonstrations against separation fence near Ramallah, army imposes blockade against West Bank village. Some 200 Palestinian, Israeli and foreign nationals stage protest regardless of measure
The IDF blockaded the West Bank village of Na'alin, located west of Ramallah, on Saturday in an attempt to prohibit the routine demonstrations staged there against the construction of the separation fence.
"The level of violence at these protests has increased significantly this past week," the army said.
However, the blockade was ignored by the over 200 protestors who staged a demonstration near the village on Saturday evening. The demonstrators – Israelis, Palestinians and foreign-nationals from left-wing groups – say the route of the fence annexes lands belonging to the village.
The army said the protestors hurled Molotov cocktails and rocks at troops securing the area, and rolled burning tires towards them. Three demonstrators were arrested. The army said it responded with means of
riot dispersal.
Two Border Police officers were lightly wounded as Saturday's protest turned violent.
The Palestinians slammed the decision to impose a closure on the village and accused the Israeli troops of assaulting Muslim worshippers during Friday's protest. They said that dozens of demonstrators sustained light wounds due to exposure to tear gas and the use of rubber bullets.
Ali Waked contributed to this report
