bil’in (Photo: Hamde Abu Rahme)
Dozens of people suffered asphyxia in the weekly march organized by the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Bil’in as part of the activities in support of the Palestinian leadership and people in their demand to recognize the Palestinian state and gain membership to the United Nations. The march was honored by the participation of dozens of Palestinians as well as dozens of international activists and Israeli peace activists.
The march began after Friday prayers from the center of the village and headed to the land that was restored and the nature reserve Abu Limon. Participants raised Palestinian flags and banners proclaiming ‘Palestinian state 194’. They chanted the national calls for the end of the occupation, destruction of the apartheid wall, and steadfastness with the principles of Palestine. Upon the arrival of participants to the Abu Limon reserve, they walked along the concrete wall, set fire to tires, and tried to storm the fence adjacent to the wall. During these actions the occupation forces stationed behind the concrete wall fired tear gas, live ammunition, and rubber bullets towards the participants. This led to the asphyxiation of dozens of participants. It also ignited a fire in the fields of olive trees, burning many of the ancient trees. The participants tried to control the fire were able to control and extinguish the fire.
Also, Ashraf Abu Rahma, 29 years , from the village of Bil’in was arrested during his participation with a group of young people from Bil’in and number of members of the Popular Committee in the process of Nabi Saleh in support of the steadfastness of the people of Nabi Saleh in their battle against the occupation and its settlers.
