ISRAELI FORCES SUPPRESS BILIN WEEKLY MARCH

Ramallah, 20 Rajab 1436/9 May 2015 (MINA) – Dozens of Palestinians suffered excessive tear-gas inhalation Friday when Israeli soldiers opened fire on the Bilin weekly march using tear-gas canisters and rubber-coated steel bullets.

The march set off from the village center and comprised locals, including children, as well as international and Israeli peace activists.

Abdullah Abu Rahmeh, spokesperson of the popular committee against the separation wall and settlements in Bilin, called for an increase in resistance against Israel and the Israeli government, Maan News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Israeli forces dispersed the march when they fired tear-gas canisters and rubber-coated steel bullets at the protesters.

Israeli forces were also reported to have fired tear-gas canisters at houses in the village, and in one home, village residents Ashraf al-Khatib, his wife and their three children suffered tear-gas inhalation.

Locals told Ma’an that late Thursday, Israeli forces raided Bilin and detained Wael al-Khatib and Muhammad Hamad after raiding and searching their homes.

Separately, Israel released village resident Muhammad Adib Abu Rahmeh after he paid a fine of 10,000 shekels.

Bilin has long been one of the most active villages in organized opposition against the Israeli occupation and confiscation of Palestinian land.

This year marks the tenth consecutive year of weekly marches against the Israeli separation wall in Bilin, which was constructed on Palestinian land in 2005. (T/P010/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA