Palestinian protester bitten by IDF dog, arrested
IDF says protester tried to assault troops during West Bank rally; witnesses claim soldiers randomly set dog on ralliers
During the protest, demonstrators threw rocks at Border Guard officers. One was taken in of question.
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Protesters who witnessed the incident told Ynet that the troops set the German Shepherd on the crowd, letting him randomly attack the man that was consequently injured, Ahmad Shatwi. His arrest was therefore unjustified, they claimed.
The activists said that it took the IDF trainers 10 minutes to pry the man's hand from the canine's teeth. They added that the troops pepper-sprayed and arrested Shatwi's uncle, who attempted to calm his frightened nephew while the dog trainers tried to free him.
Rally dedicated to Rachel Corrie
The IDF said that Shatwi, who was treated by army medics on the scene, did not need to be hospitalized.
"During an illegal and violent riot that took place in Qaddum, Palestinian youths threw stones and rolled burning tires towards IDF troops," the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said. "IDF forces arrested two rioters, one of whom tried to assault the troops. He was bitten by the unit's dog, was treated and arrested."
It took 10 minutes to free man from dog's teeth (Photo: AP)
Qaddum residents, who have been holding rallies every week for the past 10 months, claim that residents of the nearby Kedumim settlement are stealing their lands. They have also been protesting against the restrictions placed on their freedom of movement.
Left-wing activist Yonatan Pollack said that Friday's rally was dedicated to the memory of the American activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed nine years ago by an IDF bulldozer while trying to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home in Rafah.
According to Pollack, two other Palestinians were hurt by tear gas during the demonstration.
Yair Altman contributed to the report
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