’Israeli’ Forces Attack Palestinian Protesters in Al-Khalil, Dozens Injured

Local Editor

"Israeli" occupation forces unleashed a barrage of tear gas, rubber-coated bullets, and live fire against hundreds of Palestinians in al-Khalil during demonstrations marking the fourth anniversary of the Open Shuhada Street Campaign, injuring at least 30, Palestinian and other news agencies reported.
The injured included a cameraman for the so-called "Israeli" organization B'Tselem, who was shot in the head by a rubber-coated bulle, and a cameraman for the Lebanese al-Mayadeen news agency.

At least five Palestinians have been arrested by "Israeli" forces as confrontations between unarmed protesters and "Israeli" forces continued throughout the day.

Munther Ameera, speaking to the Palestinian News Network, said that the demonstrations demanded the reopening of the Shuhada Street, adding that it was launched to mark the anniversary of the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre.
Thousands of Palestinians joined by international activists marched from the Ali mosque to an "Israeli" military post on Shuhada Street, chanting "Stop occupation" and "No occupation, no settlements."

The Ibrahimi Mosque massacre occurred in 1994 in which a Zionist settler opened fire on unarmed Palestinians praying inside the mosque, martyring 29 and wounding 129. The "Israeli" military immediately closed off Shuhada Street and imposed curfews and restrictions on Palestinian residents of al-Khalil after the massacre.
In 2000, Palestinians were further restricted from entering the center of al-Khalil on foot by the "Israeli" occupational forces under the pretext of providing security for more than 600 illegal Israeli settlers occupying the area.

In parallel, 2 people were injured and dozens suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation in the village of Bilin west of Ramallah when "Israeli" forces dispersed the village's weekly protest against the separation wall.

Clashes also broke out in the village of Khirbet Atuf east of Tubas after dozens of Palestinians performed Friday prayers near the al-Fasel Trench, which is near the Jordan Valley, to protest "Israeli" settlement in the area.

Dozens suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation in clashes.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team