Protest in Naalin Friday
Photo: Reuters
Security forces
Photo: Reuters
Riots
Photo: Reuters
Report: 9 injured in anti-fence rallies
Palestinians say French citizen hurt by gas grenade in West Bank village of Bilin, six protestors wounded by rubber bullets in Naalin
Nine protestors were injured Friday afternoon by crowd dispersal means during anti-fence rallies in the West Bank villages of Naalin and Bilin, Palestinians and left-wing activists reported. Security forces said they have knowledge of only one person suffering injuries.
Hundreds of protestors – including Palestinians, Israelis and foreign activists, arrived at the two villages to protest the construction of the separation fence in the area, which they claim violates the local residents' rights over their lands.
Friday's protest in Bilin is also dedicated to another issue – demonstrating support of the Israeli high school seniors who sent out a letter against IDF service earlier this month.
Friday's riots (Photo: Reuters)
The protestors said a French citizen was lightly injured from a gas grenade in Bilin, and in Naalin, eight demonstrators were injured, six of which were hit by rubber bullets. One of the protesters was injured in the face and transferred to hospital in Ramallah for treatment.
The IDF and Border Guard denied any use of rubber bullets, and said only gas grenades were used against the protestors.
An anti-fence protest was also held in the village of al-Masara, where villagers marked the third anniversary since they started demonstrated against the fence.
Last week almost 200 people protested against the fence in Bilin and Naalin. The demonstrators carried large balances symbolizing what they called "the international law's disregard for the Palestinians' rights". A Border Guard officer was lightly injured in his leg from a stone.
In another incident that too place near the Hazon David outpost in Hebron, security forces clashed with some 50 leftists that arrived at the site.
Police detained five leftists and a Palestinian activist. Seven other activists were also detained.
Efrat Weiss contributed to this report
