Weekly Protest Video Round-Up: Bil’in Special

“Bil’in Habibti!” 5 years later…

Yesterday the entrance of the village was more like a carnival than a political protest. Over 2000 Palestinian, Israeli and international activists joined clowns, Ka/Ya-Samba percussionists, representatives of various Palestinian parties, the Palestinian Struggle Youth Union marching band and journalists from all over the world to mark 5 years of the popular struggle against the Apartheid Wall. Five years after the local committee began its activities, Bil’in has become a symbol of the Palestinian non-violent struggle against Israeli occupation, inspiring other villages to adopt its formula for peaceful resistance.

Protesters marched to the Wall, chanting slogans and holding posters bearing the portrait of Bassem Abu Rahme, murdered in 2009 by a gas canister fired by Israeli Army. A group of activists crossed the barrier, placing Palestinian flags on top of an IDF outpost and dismantling a 30-meter section of fence, before a barrage of tear gas canisters rained down on the crowd. The Israeli military continued the assault with sound bombs and foul smelling ‘skunk’ chemicals fired from a water cannon. Dozens of demonstrators were treated for teargas inhalation. Medical assistance and first aid were provided by the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, a medical grass-roots NGO, Red Crescent and Health Work Committees.

The rally was also attended by a number of dignitaries, including PM Salam Fayyad, as well as Palestinian Legislative Council members and some EU representatives.

Dr Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, was at the protest to celebrate the 5th anniversary, showing solidarity and support to the long-term commitment of peace activists. “Non violent protests in Bil’in, Ni’lin, Nebi Salah, Al-Masara, Sheikh Jarrah, represent the Palestinian commitment to non-violence principles. Palestinians living in areas threatened by the Israeli separation Wall should be empowered to resist the theft of their land”. He also remembered Palestinian and international activists who have lost their lives whilst protesting.

The protest also celebrated the Israeli military’s decision to remove and reroute the fence, implementing a Court order and returning 680 dunums of the 2000 currently sequestered for the construction of the Wall. From his detention cell in Ofer military prison (an Israeli military base on occupied Palestinian territory), Abdullah Abu Rahme, Coordinator of Bil’in Popular Committee, conveyed his message to peace activists, declaring that “For those of us imprisoned in Ofer, this victory makes the suffering of being here easier to bear” “From the confines of my imprisonment – Abdullah said – it becomes so clear that our struggle is far bigger than justice for only Bil’in or even Palestine. We are engaged in an international fight against oppression.”

Organisers reported two Palestinian protestors were injured, one shot in the leg with a tear gas cannister, the other shot in stomach with a rubber bullet. Dozens were treated on-site for tear gas inhalation.

Nabi Saleh

Fewer attended the other demonstrations than normal, with attention focussed on Bil’in. Around 100 villagers and solidarity activists marched through Nabi Saleh village toward the Hallamish settlement, which has stolen their land and water. Israeli security responded brutally, opening fire with rubber bullets and tear gas. Ten people were reported injured, including ISM activist Valeh Abrahamsson,22, shot in the face with a rubber bullet. Abrahamsson was discharged with stitches but no permanent damage. Several witnesses corroborated the use of live ammunition toward the end of the protest, a claim subsequently denied by IDF spokesman. After tensions had subsided, the army established a roadblock on all traffic heading east out of the village, which locals claim was not moved until the following evening.

Al Ma’asara

Approximately 100 Palestinians and 20 internationals and Israelis gathered to protest against the construction of the illegal barrier in their village south of Bethlehem. The demonstration took place with the participation of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, commemorating their 41st anniversary. The Barrier is built on the land of the villagers of Al Ma’sara and will block the residents from their farmland. They have already lost more than 350 hectares of land to a nearby Israeli Settlement.

Men and women of all ages gathered after the Friday prayer and marched through the main road of the village and this week they decide to march on the road where settlers used. where the organizers of The Popular Committee Against the Wall in Al Ma’sara gave speeches. The demonstrators then marched toward their land at which time Israeli soldiers in a jeep approached, exited and began firing tear gas and throwing concussion grenades into the group. The group quickly dispersed and the soldiers chased them into the village and continued firing tear gas at the demonstrators.

One 18 year old protestor was injured when struck by a tear gas canister, while dozens more were treated for inhalation.

Sheikh Jarrah

Around 100 Israeli and Palestinian protestors gathered in the East Jerusalem suburb to protest the spread of settlements and evictions threatening Palestinian protestors. The march was heavily policed and quickly dispersed, although no injuries or arrests were reported. Settlers attempted to meet protestors but were also dispersed.

Ni’lin

Popular committee spokesman Akram Khawaja reported 100 protestors including international and Israeli supporters took part. They marched toward the wall with the Palestinian flag, shouting and singing their message; “The Wall Must Fall”. Israeli soldiers responded rubber bullets and tear gas, dispersing the march. Three young men, all under 18, were shot with rubber bullets and treated on site by Red Crescent ambulances. There were no arrests. Khawaja revealed his pride that “the guys reached the barrier and for the first time they cut out a part of the fence.” This followed an Israeli army announcement that popular demonstrations are costing them large sums of money by forcing them to repair and re-route the apartheid wall.