In Ni'ilin, the intensive struggle continued this week in four days of confrontation with the Israeli state forces. Many Palestinians and AAtW people were injured. Israeli, regional, and even international media covered the confrontation. On two days, the demonstrations caused the stopping for a while the works on the route of the separation fence. ---- On Friday, The activists of the Anarchists Against the Wall initiative involved in addition to Ni'ilin with the demonstration at Um Salmuna (south of Bethlehem) and in Bil'in - the 178th demonstration. On this Friday few of us succeeded to enter the route of the separation fence and touch the electronic fence for a while till the tear gas overwhelmed us.
Ni'ilin
13-7-08 = link to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANIDxLfrHrQ
15.7-08-http://www.bilin-ffj.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70&Itemid=1
17.7.08 video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ufXzl6lWYo
Bil'in
Friday 18.7.2008 video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgxpfgF1yxA
---------------------------------------------
NI'ILIN
17/07/2008 http://awalls.org/
Demonstrators trying to put off a fire amidst teargasDemonstrators trying to put off a fire amidst teargas
About 150 demonstrators split into two groups today – one, larger group, heading towards the large contingent of border police and soldiers, trying to get to the bulldozers through them, but was met with great force, which included the use of live rounds by the army. Another, smaller group of about twenty, circumvented the soldiers and managed to disrupt construction for about half an hour.
Read more
Demonstrator shot in the arm in Ni'ilin
15/07/2008
Mohammed Amira holding his arm with a rubber-coated bullet stuck in itMohammed Amira holding his arm with a rubber-coated bullet stuck in it
At round 3PM, about 150 people set out from the village center towards the bulldozers razing their lands and orchards. As protesters neared the heavy machinery, they were attacked with teargas projectiles, and then very quickly with rubber bullets, even though demonstrators posed no threat. Mohammed Amira, whose hands were clearly raised in the air, was shot from an illegal range of no more than ten meters (30 feet). The bullet hit Amira's raised arm and penetrated his biceps just above the elbow
Five injured and a paramedic arrested in Ni'ilin
13/07/2008 http://awalls.org/five_injured_and_a_paramedic_arrested_in_niilin
(including pictures and link to video)
Since demonstrations began in Ni'ilin about two months ago, over a hundred olive trees were burned in fires ignited by teargas projectiles shot by the army. Thousands of trees more, the only source of income left for many of villagers, are expected to be uprooted or left on the secluded part of the wall.
A demonstrator arguing with an officer, seconds before being attacked. Pictures by Dan SeltzerA demonstrator arguing with an officer, seconds before being attacked. Pictures by Dan Seltzer
Trying to illustrate the theft of the villager's land and livelihood, about 200 Palestinians, Israelis and internationals carrying olive branches tried holding a peaceful vigil along the settler roadside. Though the road was not block, and it was made very clear to the soldiers there was also no intention to try and do so, the protesters were immediately assaulted with teargas and rubber bullets and pushed back into the village, where barricades where erected on the main road to prevent the army from invading.
A makeshift barricadeA makeshift barricade
One of the paramedics accompanying the demonstration, Salah Khawaja, was hit so badly by teargas that he collapsed and could not return to the village. While on the ground he was violently dragged and beaten by soldiers, which only worsened his condition. Khawaja was subsequently arrested by soldiers carrying a stretcher and pretending to provide him medical aid.
Both the assault on Khawaja and his arrest are grave breaches of international humanitarian law, strictly and explicitly forbidding the harming of medical personnel. He currently remains under arrest, and can be help for eight days without even being brought before a judge.
Just last Friday a group 22 Israeli medical volunteers from “Physicians for Human Rights” wanting to participate in a free medical day in Ni'lin to provide free health-care to villagers, where stopped and detained for about two hours at the Ni'lin checkpoint. One of the doctors reported hearing the soldiers say that this was done to punish Ni'lin for the continuing demonstrations.
During the four days of siege and curfew ambulances were frequently prevented from entering the village, denying needed medical care from the villagers, even forcing one woman in labor to give birth at home, without any medical supervision.
Four other people other than Khawaja were injured after being hit with rubber coated bullets
13 including a photographer injured in Ni'ilin
-----------------------
1 Injured in Nil'in Demonstration
At 3pm on Tuesday, July 15th, villagers from Nil'in--along with members of neighboring popular committees, Israeli activists, and internationals--marched through their olive groves
to the construction site of the apartheid fence, where Israeli soldiers assaulted them with tear-gas and rubber-coated steel bullets.
Mohamed Amera, member of the popular committee in Nil'in, was shot at close range with a rubber-coated steel bullet. The bullet, which was imbedded in his arm, was removed at a hospital in Ramallah.
In other news, the Israeli military has abducted two members of the popular committee in Nil'in, in an attempt to intimidate the local population and quell the recent surges in popular resistance.
Hassan Yusef Mosa and Salah Mohamed Tayeh Hawaje were kidnapped from their homes, and are still in custody,
presumably without charge.
Despite these obstacles, the people of Nil'in are committed to continuing their struggle against the confiscation of their land and the construction of the fence. A large demonstration will take place this Thursday, July 17th, at 11am.
www.bilin-ffj.org/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=70&Itemid=1
Thank you for you continued support,
Iyad Burnat- Head of Popular Commitee in Bilin
Head of Friends of Freedom and Justice in Bilin
Email- ffj.bilin (at) yahoo.com
Mobile- (00972) (0) 547847942
Office- (00972) (2) 2489129
Fax-(00972) (2) 2489129
www.bilin-ffj.org
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Palestine-Israel, Another week of joint struggle the AAtW activists were involved with
This week even more than previous ones Ni'ilin was in the front center and in the media focus as well. Daily confrontation with the Israeli state forces and the construction works of the separation fence. The other focus was Wednesday - in which many Palestinian localities including Ni'ilin and Um Salmuna invite us to "celebrate" the international court verdict stating that the building of the separation fence is against the international law of war. During the week, the AAtW declined invitation to visit session of the Israeli parliament sub-comity of security and foreign relation about our bad conduct as we refused to come without our Palestinian partners. And of course Friday demo in Bil'in the 177th.
Links to video clips of some of the demonstrations:
Bil'in Friday 4-7-08 link to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orrlVTZCusg
Ni'ilin curfew 6.7.08 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHs0ESbHRbA
Ni'lin 9.7.08 link to walla-ynet http://news.walla.co.il/?w=/22/1310584
http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3566049,00.html
Ni'lin demo 9-7-08 - link to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjAvZNu_sJ4
Ni'ilin 10-7-08 - link to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSLoVbmVTW8
Anuther Ni'ilin video of 10.7.08 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKZEcDkiKdY
Following some texts about Ni'ilin struggle this week:
07/08/2008 05:37 PM ---- At around 6 PM about 100 Palestinians, Israelies and internationals left Budrus towards Ni'lin in order to break the curfew and bring food to the people of Ni'lin. Army forces were waiting near the first houses of Nilin backed up with a road block which prevented the movement of vehicles in and out of the village. the soldiers open fire using tear gas and rubber coated bullets.
Villagers from Ni'lin took advantage of the fact that most Israeli forces went to the village's outskirts and went out for a spotaneous demonstration at the town's center, while breaking the curfew.
3 were hurt by the army's shooting, but were evicted to Ramalla hospital in 2 hours delay, as ambulances could not get into the village due to the road blocks and the curfew.
notwithstanding the brutal oppression, today's action was successful - most of the villagers in Ni'lin witnessed the demonstrations and the solidarity action.
Budrus to Ni'lin 7-7-08 - link to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8R9vcH8yAQ
Invitation
The Popular Committees of West Ramallah invite you to participate in a demonstration to break the siege of Nilin to take place this Wednesday July 9, 2008. This demonstration is also being held to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the decision of the International Court of Justice on the Israeli Apartheid Wall.
We will gather at the same time - 11:00 am - at two different locations: Budrus Village and Deir Qadis Village.
Together we will break the siege of Nilin.
A mass demonstration in Ni'ilin
An especially big demonstration will be held in the village of Ni'ilin on the morning of the coming Thursday, commemorating the anniversary of The Hague ruling which defined the Apartheid Wall a crime.
----------------AAtW--------------
A contingent of 60 Israelis came with the AAtW to that demonstration.
-----------------------------------
The village of Ni'ilin, which is located in the Ramallah district, has for more than a month now been leading an intense struggle against the de-facto appropriation of 2,500 of its 7,000 dunams of land by the "separation fence". The route of the fence in this area, much like the famous case of Bil'in, has been planned in such a way that would allow the near by illegal settlement of Hashmonaim to expand on lands that will be "left behind" the fence.
The villagers, who refuse to accept this, hold three-four demonstrations a week, marching towards the construction site and the settlement, in many cases successfully forcing a halt of construction.
The army, however, is responding with growing ferocity. According to the army spokesperson, an entire regiment was relocated to guard the construction, and these soldiers use brutal force against the unarmed demonstrators. On Friday the village was put under a ten-day siege, and residents were informed it was a punishment for the demonstrations. During the weekend an attempt was made to enforce a curfew on the village, but the villagers' active resistance changed the army's plans. Today, Sunday, a curfew is declared again.
Yet the villagers' do not intend to give up, and have struggling against the curfew and siege. The Thursday demonstration will be held in spite of the siege and as a challenge towards it, as the villagers are still interested to cooperate with the Israelis and internationals, who are coming to the village in support of the struggle.
We feel that it is worth mentioning the popular struggles against the fence/wall have been going on throughout the West Bank for more than four years now. The fact that a new village chooses to enter the cycle of resistance in spite of the harsh oppression used against these struggles is yet another important reason to come and support Ni'ilin this week.
We will leave for the Thursday demonstration together from Tel Aviv in the morning. We assume that the army will try to prevent us from getting there, but will try and break the siege so as to join our partners. This attempt might include a long walk on difficult terrain, but those who would want to avoid such a walk and hold a demonstration outside the checkpoints surrounding the village will be able to do so.
---------------------
The army did not try to prevent us from getting there... but instead used intensively batons and injured lot of demonstrators - targeting on the AAtW activists.
The public TV channel evening news included an item showing the clash and AAtW injured people carried from there - bringing the claim of ours side that the route of the fence is used to robe big stretch of Ni'ilin land for use as a cometary of the near by settler colonialist town Modi'in Ilit.
(During the week both radio channels and TV reported on the intense struggle in Ni'ilin.
Media:
A border policeman was lightly wounded Thursday by a rock thrown by anti-security fence demonstrators in the West Bank town of Ni'ilin, north of Modi'in.
Hundreds of Palestinians and Israeli protesters clashed with the policemen and several of the demonstrators were also reportedly hurt.
The army said that the protesters were demonstrating in a closed military zone and that security forces were trying to disperse them using crowd control measures.
Approved: Manuelen
The Ni’lin Popular Committee would like to draw attention to the following facts regarding the disproportionate use of force by the Israeli army and Border Police since the beginning of the construction of the Wall (May 2008):
* 160 people were injured by rubber coated steel bullets during the protests, including children
* Hundreds of non-violent protesters were brutally beaten by the Israeli army during the protests
* 26 people were arrested
* A Palestinian Medical Relief Society ambulance was shot at. The driver counted 18 bullet marks on the outside of the van and two of the ambulance windows were shattered, with several bullets found inside the van
* Many people in the protests suffered severe respiratory problems due to the heavy use of tear gas
* Tear gas canisters were shot directly into the crowds, aiming at people and injuring dozens
* The Israeli army started using a new tear gas machine, shooting 30 tear gas canisters at the same time
* The Israeli army used live ammunition on several occasions
* There were numerous incidents where the Israeli army invaded the village in the middle of the night after a protest, shooting tear gas and rubber coated steal bullets at and into homes where families were sleeping, and also arresting several people during these military incursions into the village
------------------------- AAtW ----------------
This Friday the inured comrades of Thursday splat between those who needed a day of rest and these who insisted to come to both the Ni'ilin and Bil'in demonstrations (some limping and one with crutches).
At Bil'in demonstration we had today a small satisfaction. When we arrived at the separation fence, the state forces started to shower us with tear gas canisters. After the unseasoned participants dispersed the old timers stayed. We evaded most of the tear gas clouds... and one of us returned a gas canister to its owners. These, who were in a convoy of three armored cars "enjoyed" the tear gas and decided to escape from the location.
See also http://awalls.org/
Links to video clips of some of the demonstrations:
Bil'in Friday 4-7-08 link to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orrlVTZCusg
Ni'ilin curfew 6.7.08 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHs0ESbHRbA
Ni'lin 9.7.08 link to walla-ynet http://news.walla.co.il/?w=/22/1310584
http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3566049,00.html
Ni'lin demo 9-7-08 - link to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjAvZNu_sJ4
Ni'ilin 10-7-08 - link to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSLoVbmVTW8
Anuther Ni'ilin video of 10.7.08 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKZEcDkiKdY
Following some texts about Ni'ilin struggle this week:
07/08/2008 05:37 PM ---- At around 6 PM about 100 Palestinians, Israelies and internationals left Budrus towards Ni'lin in order to break the curfew and bring food to the people of Ni'lin. Army forces were waiting near the first houses of Nilin backed up with a road block which prevented the movement of vehicles in and out of the village. the soldiers open fire using tear gas and rubber coated bullets.
Villagers from Ni'lin took advantage of the fact that most Israeli forces went to the village's outskirts and went out for a spotaneous demonstration at the town's center, while breaking the curfew.
3 were hurt by the army's shooting, but were evicted to Ramalla hospital in 2 hours delay, as ambulances could not get into the village due to the road blocks and the curfew.
notwithstanding the brutal oppression, today's action was successful - most of the villagers in Ni'lin witnessed the demonstrations and the solidarity action.
Budrus to Ni'lin 7-7-08 - link to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8R9vcH8yAQ
Invitation
The Popular Committees of West Ramallah invite you to participate in a demonstration to break the siege of Nilin to take place this Wednesday July 9, 2008. This demonstration is also being held to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the decision of the International Court of Justice on the Israeli Apartheid Wall.
We will gather at the same time - 11:00 am - at two different locations: Budrus Village and Deir Qadis Village.
Together we will break the siege of Nilin.
A mass demonstration in Ni'ilin
An especially big demonstration will be held in the village of Ni'ilin on the morning of the coming Thursday, commemorating the anniversary of The Hague ruling which defined the Apartheid Wall a crime.
----------------AAtW--------------
A contingent of 60 Israelis came with the AAtW to that demonstration.
-----------------------------------
The village of Ni'ilin, which is located in the Ramallah district, has for more than a month now been leading an intense struggle against the de-facto appropriation of 2,500 of its 7,000 dunams of land by the "separation fence". The route of the fence in this area, much like the famous case of Bil'in, has been planned in such a way that would allow the near by illegal settlement of Hashmonaim to expand on lands that will be "left behind" the fence.
The villagers, who refuse to accept this, hold three-four demonstrations a week, marching towards the construction site and the settlement, in many cases successfully forcing a halt of construction.
The army, however, is responding with growing ferocity. According to the army spokesperson, an entire regiment was relocated to guard the construction, and these soldiers use brutal force against the unarmed demonstrators. On Friday the village was put under a ten-day siege, and residents were informed it was a punishment for the demonstrations. During the weekend an attempt was made to enforce a curfew on the village, but the villagers' active resistance changed the army's plans. Today, Sunday, a curfew is declared again.
Yet the villagers' do not intend to give up, and have struggling against the curfew and siege. The Thursday demonstration will be held in spite of the siege and as a challenge towards it, as the villagers are still interested to cooperate with the Israelis and internationals, who are coming to the village in support of the struggle.
We feel that it is worth mentioning the popular struggles against the fence/wall have been going on throughout the West Bank for more than four years now. The fact that a new village chooses to enter the cycle of resistance in spite of the harsh oppression used against these struggles is yet another important reason to come and support Ni'ilin this week.
We will leave for the Thursday demonstration together from Tel Aviv in the morning. We assume that the army will try to prevent us from getting there, but will try and break the siege so as to join our partners. This attempt might include a long walk on difficult terrain, but those who would want to avoid such a walk and hold a demonstration outside the checkpoints surrounding the village will be able to do so.
---------------------
The army did not try to prevent us from getting there... but instead used intensively batons and injured lot of demonstrators - targeting on the AAtW activists.
The public TV channel evening news included an item showing the clash and AAtW injured people carried from there - bringing the claim of ours side that the route of the fence is used to robe big stretch of Ni'ilin land for use as a cometary of the near by settler colonialist town Modi'in Ilit.
(During the week both radio channels and TV reported on the intense struggle in Ni'ilin.
Media:
A border policeman was lightly wounded Thursday by a rock thrown by anti-security fence demonstrators in the West Bank town of Ni'ilin, north of Modi'in.
Hundreds of Palestinians and Israeli protesters clashed with the policemen and several of the demonstrators were also reportedly hurt.
The army said that the protesters were demonstrating in a closed military zone and that security forces were trying to disperse them using crowd control measures.
Approved: Manuelen
The Ni’lin Popular Committee would like to draw attention to the following facts regarding the disproportionate use of force by the Israeli army and Border Police since the beginning of the construction of the Wall (May 2008):
* 160 people were injured by rubber coated steel bullets during the protests, including children
* Hundreds of non-violent protesters were brutally beaten by the Israeli army during the protests
* 26 people were arrested
* A Palestinian Medical Relief Society ambulance was shot at. The driver counted 18 bullet marks on the outside of the van and two of the ambulance windows were shattered, with several bullets found inside the van
* Many people in the protests suffered severe respiratory problems due to the heavy use of tear gas
* Tear gas canisters were shot directly into the crowds, aiming at people and injuring dozens
* The Israeli army started using a new tear gas machine, shooting 30 tear gas canisters at the same time
* The Israeli army used live ammunition on several occasions
* There were numerous incidents where the Israeli army invaded the village in the middle of the night after a protest, shooting tear gas and rubber coated steal bullets at and into homes where families were sleeping, and also arresting several people during these military incursions into the village
------------------------- AAtW ----------------
This Friday the inured comrades of Thursday splat between those who needed a day of rest and these who insisted to come to both the Ni'ilin and Bil'in demonstrations (some limping and one with crutches).
At Bil'in demonstration we had today a small satisfaction. When we arrived at the separation fence, the state forces started to shower us with tear gas canisters. After the unseasoned participants dispersed the old timers stayed. We evaded most of the tear gas clouds... and one of us returned a gas canister to its owners. These, who were in a convoy of three armored cars "enjoyed" the tear gas and decided to escape from the location.
See also http://awalls.org/
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Palestine-Israel, The weekly report about the activists of the Israeli Anarchists Against the Wall Bil'in, Um SAlmuna, Ni'ilin, Tel Aviv
During the week we were busy in Ni'ilin joint struggle and two solidarity demonstrations in Tel Aviv. At Ni'ilin, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday demonstrations against the separation fence and occupation. In Tel Aviv we had vigils in front of the German embassy on Monday and in front of the Austrian embassy on Wednesday (see below). On Friday we demonstrated as usual against the separation fence and occupation in Bil'in - the 176th since February 2005.
Our people also participated in the joint struggle at Um Salmuna, and in Ni'ilin, the new intensive front, with intense confrontation on Friday when the state forces declares closer at dawn and entered at noon as provocation/revenge.
German embassy vigil
Solidarity demo with Christian and Andrea in front of the German embassy
Monday the 30th of June. Andrea and Christian are political prisoners that are imprisoned in Berlin for over six months now. They were arrested in December 2007 while blocking a neo Nazi demo, they were accused of serial disobedience. The argument leading to a three years imprisonment is that they are politically aware so a regular punishment is not enough to deter them.
Austrian embassy Vigil
On Friday 2.7 we had a second vigil in front of the Austrian embassy in solidarity with 10 activists for animal rights - arrested a month ago in infringement of the west European civil rights. An Austrian coalition of activists organizations called for a world wide demonstrations.
Ni'ilin Demonstrations
It is hard to point on the exact reason why the struggle in Ni'ilin got its specific form. For the last few weeks since the beginning of the work on the main part of the separation fence between Ni'ilin and the settler colonialist colony of Hashmonaim, twice or three times a week people of the village with support of international activists and Israelis of the AAtW try to disrupt the works on the kilometer long route of the separation fence. Some times even with partial success. Tuesday, we surprised the state forces who were concentrated on the east side - where we disrupted the works twice the previous week, by converging on the west side of the route. Five to seven heavy machinery units were damaged. In retaliation, the state forces declares a closer at dawn - preventing entering or exit from the village. At noon as provocation/revenge, they entered the village with armored cars to a space where the villagers had their protest noon prayer out of the mosque.
The villagers retaliated by building barricades, stoning the cars and breaking their bulletproof windows. When the army brought a bulldozer to open the way for the cars.. it was assaulted and had to escape.
Late afternoon when the turmoil ended, four Israeli activists were detained near the highway for three hours (The maximum duration the soldiers are aloud) on suspicious of entering Ni'lin so called closed military zone.
Um Salmuna
Report by a comrade https://israel.indymedia.org/newswire/display/9295/index.php
"Two committee members arrested in Al-Maasara/Um Salamuna
On Friday, July 4th, activists gathered in Al-Ma’asara, Bethlehem District, the Palestinians brought a huge flag with them, but unfortunately this was not an independence day celebration, but the weekly demonstration against the Annexation Barrier and continuing theft of Palestinian land.
Click on image for a larger version
Um Salamona, 04_07_2008-activestills-4.jpg
As last week there were about 40 Palestinian activists and roughly 20 Israelis and internationals. Today there was a different group of Soldiers and a lot of border police but as last week they had put the same razor wire fence across the road and the gap between the edge of the fence and the nearest permanent structure was blocked with pallets of stone tiles.
The enormous flag was held aloft in the wind and the young Palestinian children started pulling on the razor wire while the adults were demanding access to their land, a new soldier rightfully suggested that the Palestinians should indeed be allowed to access their land. He was quickly silenced by an older soldier, however a Palestinian activist, understandably excited that for once a little bit of justice might be offered, rushed to climb over the stone tiles and go to his land.
At this point the soldiers rushed towards him, they viciously pulled him down from the tiles and took him to their vehicles, activists from Anarchists Against The Wall (AAtW) and PSP managed to make it over the tiles, but could not get to him in time to stop him from being arrested. At this point an activist was also captured, another had his trousers/pants ripped open by the violent soldiers and was eventually left by soldiers to try and dress himself near the IDF vehicles.
The soldiers then threw sound grenades directly into the main group of protesters before heading over the stone tiles, AATW protesters scrambled to get back over the tiles but border police had already walked around the nearest building and together with the soldiers were able to quickly arrest another Palestinian who was standing with the main group.
With the border police and most of the soldiers arresting the second Palestinian activist the first was somehow able to make a run for it, the activist in the area (now dressed with a safety pin) was able to run with the Palestinian in solidarity. Unfortunately they were quickly found hiding in a nearby building.
The two international and Israeli activists were later forcibly removed from the vehicle where they were detained with the Palestinians, despite requesting to stay with the Palestinians. The Palestinians were blindfolded and have not been released. In spite of the fact that the Israelis and foreigners were arrested together with the two Palestinians they were released while the Palestinians were taken to the Etzion base. At this point is it not even clear if there are in police or army custody. It appears that the custom at the Etzion base is to not answer the phone on the weekend. That means that for Palestinians held there, there is no way for their lawyers or families to even know what they are suspected of. However Judging by what some of the soldiers said, it appears one of the Palestinians might be charged with assault. This is in spite of the fact that no less than 3 different angles of video footage exist showing this not to be the case. At this point the Palestinians are looking at 8 days in jail before they are even arraigned. That alone aught to be an outrage protested widely, except for the fact that much worse is being carried out in the West Bank every day.
photo with credit activestills at https://israel.indymedia.org/newswire/display/9295/index.php"
Our people also participated in the joint struggle at Um Salmuna, and in Ni'ilin, the new intensive front, with intense confrontation on Friday when the state forces declares closer at dawn and entered at noon as provocation/revenge.
German embassy vigil
Solidarity demo with Christian and Andrea in front of the German embassy
Monday the 30th of June. Andrea and Christian are political prisoners that are imprisoned in Berlin for over six months now. They were arrested in December 2007 while blocking a neo Nazi demo, they were accused of serial disobedience. The argument leading to a three years imprisonment is that they are politically aware so a regular punishment is not enough to deter them.
Austrian embassy Vigil
On Friday 2.7 we had a second vigil in front of the Austrian embassy in solidarity with 10 activists for animal rights - arrested a month ago in infringement of the west European civil rights. An Austrian coalition of activists organizations called for a world wide demonstrations.
Ni'ilin Demonstrations
It is hard to point on the exact reason why the struggle in Ni'ilin got its specific form. For the last few weeks since the beginning of the work on the main part of the separation fence between Ni'ilin and the settler colonialist colony of Hashmonaim, twice or three times a week people of the village with support of international activists and Israelis of the AAtW try to disrupt the works on the kilometer long route of the separation fence. Some times even with partial success. Tuesday, we surprised the state forces who were concentrated on the east side - where we disrupted the works twice the previous week, by converging on the west side of the route. Five to seven heavy machinery units were damaged. In retaliation, the state forces declares a closer at dawn - preventing entering or exit from the village. At noon as provocation/revenge, they entered the village with armored cars to a space where the villagers had their protest noon prayer out of the mosque.
The villagers retaliated by building barricades, stoning the cars and breaking their bulletproof windows. When the army brought a bulldozer to open the way for the cars.. it was assaulted and had to escape.
Late afternoon when the turmoil ended, four Israeli activists were detained near the highway for three hours (The maximum duration the soldiers are aloud) on suspicious of entering Ni'lin so called closed military zone.
Um Salmuna
Report by a comrade https://israel.indymedia.org/newswire/display/9295/index.php
"Two committee members arrested in Al-Maasara/Um Salamuna
On Friday, July 4th, activists gathered in Al-Ma’asara, Bethlehem District, the Palestinians brought a huge flag with them, but unfortunately this was not an independence day celebration, but the weekly demonstration against the Annexation Barrier and continuing theft of Palestinian land.
Click on image for a larger version
Um Salamona, 04_07_2008-activestills-4.jpg
As last week there were about 40 Palestinian activists and roughly 20 Israelis and internationals. Today there was a different group of Soldiers and a lot of border police but as last week they had put the same razor wire fence across the road and the gap between the edge of the fence and the nearest permanent structure was blocked with pallets of stone tiles.
The enormous flag was held aloft in the wind and the young Palestinian children started pulling on the razor wire while the adults were demanding access to their land, a new soldier rightfully suggested that the Palestinians should indeed be allowed to access their land. He was quickly silenced by an older soldier, however a Palestinian activist, understandably excited that for once a little bit of justice might be offered, rushed to climb over the stone tiles and go to his land.
At this point the soldiers rushed towards him, they viciously pulled him down from the tiles and took him to their vehicles, activists from Anarchists Against The Wall (AAtW) and PSP managed to make it over the tiles, but could not get to him in time to stop him from being arrested. At this point an activist was also captured, another had his trousers/pants ripped open by the violent soldiers and was eventually left by soldiers to try and dress himself near the IDF vehicles.
The soldiers then threw sound grenades directly into the main group of protesters before heading over the stone tiles, AATW protesters scrambled to get back over the tiles but border police had already walked around the nearest building and together with the soldiers were able to quickly arrest another Palestinian who was standing with the main group.
With the border police and most of the soldiers arresting the second Palestinian activist the first was somehow able to make a run for it, the activist in the area (now dressed with a safety pin) was able to run with the Palestinian in solidarity. Unfortunately they were quickly found hiding in a nearby building.
The two international and Israeli activists were later forcibly removed from the vehicle where they were detained with the Palestinians, despite requesting to stay with the Palestinians. The Palestinians were blindfolded and have not been released. In spite of the fact that the Israelis and foreigners were arrested together with the two Palestinians they were released while the Palestinians were taken to the Etzion base. At this point is it not even clear if there are in police or army custody. It appears that the custom at the Etzion base is to not answer the phone on the weekend. That means that for Palestinians held there, there is no way for their lawyers or families to even know what they are suspected of. However Judging by what some of the soldiers said, it appears one of the Palestinians might be charged with assault. This is in spite of the fact that no less than 3 different angles of video footage exist showing this not to be the case. At this point the Palestinians are looking at 8 days in jail before they are even arraigned. That alone aught to be an outrage protested widely, except for the fact that much worse is being carried out in the West Bank every day.
photo with credit activestills at https://israel.indymedia.org/newswire/display/9295/index.php"
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Palestine-Israel, Another week of struggle for a better world
Israeli anarchists are mainly active within the AAtW initiative but not only that. One on going project is the Tel Aviv infoshop "Solon Mazal" that moved lately to a new location. This week, comrades participated in another round of high-school refusenics that collect momentum and in Friday, in one of the solidarity vigils - at the Austrian embassy this time in parallel to the international action in solidarity with Animal Rights activists held in jail.
In Friday we participated in the usual Um Salmuna and Bil'in demonstrations against the separation fence and occupation and in Ni'ilin too in addition to the three demonstrations there in the week days.
In Um Salmuna on of the AAtW people was harassed from behind his back while detained and hand cuffed - released, treated in hospital and discharged.
In Bil'in we had a relatively big demonstration - including a sizable delegation from US. Excerpt from a report of member of the popular comity of the village:
"About 100 Palestinians, Israeli activists, and internationals gathered today after Friday prayers to protest the wall. As the delegation advanced, Israeli soldiers barraged the crowd and percussion grenades. Ten protesters were treated for gas inhalation."
Friday's 20-06-08 video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gib9s6fl52c
In Ni'ilin we had a lively week. On two of the work days demonstration - Tuesday and Thursday, we succeeded to outsmart the state forces and arrived in numbers at the location the heavy machines were cutting the route for the separation fence. In both cases, the drivers of the equipment retreated and the works stopped for about an hour till we were pushed far enough towards the village.
Video of 24.6.08 Na'alin demo at Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvMSXYRplRU
Friday where there is no work on the route, we did an evening noise demonstration on the hill confronting the settler colonialist Hashmonaim (located on lands of Ni'ilin robbed after the 1967 war that are on the other side of the settlements sewage stream separating it from the lands of Ni'ilin not yet robbed). After nearly an hour, convoy of Israeli state forces crossed the sewage stream and dispersed the noisy demonstrators with barrages of tear gas canisters.
In Friday we participated in the usual Um Salmuna and Bil'in demonstrations against the separation fence and occupation and in Ni'ilin too in addition to the three demonstrations there in the week days.
In Um Salmuna on of the AAtW people was harassed from behind his back while detained and hand cuffed - released, treated in hospital and discharged.
In Bil'in we had a relatively big demonstration - including a sizable delegation from US. Excerpt from a report of member of the popular comity of the village:
"About 100 Palestinians, Israeli activists, and internationals gathered today after Friday prayers to protest the wall. As the delegation advanced, Israeli soldiers barraged the crowd and percussion grenades. Ten protesters were treated for gas inhalation."
Friday's 20-06-08 video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gib9s6fl52c
In Ni'ilin we had a lively week. On two of the work days demonstration - Tuesday and Thursday, we succeeded to outsmart the state forces and arrived in numbers at the location the heavy machines were cutting the route for the separation fence. In both cases, the drivers of the equipment retreated and the works stopped for about an hour till we were pushed far enough towards the village.
Video of 24.6.08 Na'alin demo at Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvMSXYRplRU
Friday where there is no work on the route, we did an evening noise demonstration on the hill confronting the settler colonialist Hashmonaim (located on lands of Ni'ilin robbed after the 1967 war that are on the other side of the settlements sewage stream separating it from the lands of Ni'ilin not yet robbed). After nearly an hour, convoy of Israeli state forces crossed the sewage stream and dispersed the noisy demonstrators with barrages of tear gas canisters.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Palestine-Israel, Joint actions against the separation fence and occupation the AAtW* were involved with.
In addition to contacts with activists and Palestinians both within and out of Israel, we participated as usual in the Friday demonstrations in Bil'in (the 174th) and in the south of Bethlehem (Um Salmuna). And of course in Ni'ilin during the week. On Monday they pushed us roughly and shoot tear gas grenades and rubber coated bullets... (see video bellow) but Thursday, because of the fresh Gaza "Ta'hadia" agreement (armistice) In spite of the refusal of demonstrators to disperse following the threats and few noise grenades, nothing was really done to us in addition to threats. Even the kids who threw stones near by only got a small team of soldiers who made them to do it from a distance using tear gas mainly.
Monday 16.6.08 at Ni'ilin at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiS0tpB3tKo
In Bil'in, the state force tested on us again new weapons - noise machine and the automatic tear gas grenade thrower.
video of 20.6.2008 Bil'in demo at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gib9s6fl52c
Following an excerpt of report of member of the village popular comity:
"This week as part of Bilin's ongoing weekly resistance, the villagers and their international supporters organized a protest against the Apartheid Wall. The protesters carried signs and banners denouncing the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters. They also raised pictures of some of the villagers who had been wounded by Israeli Forces while participating in the protests. Below the pictures of the victims was written "Despite the hatred of your bullets, we will uproot your wall". Israeli Troops responded by showering the protest with tear gas and flash bombs and dozens were treated for tear gas inhalation."
==================================
* The Israeli anarchists against the wall initiative
Monday 16.6.08 at Ni'ilin at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiS0tpB3tKo
In Bil'in, the state force tested on us again new weapons - noise machine and the automatic tear gas grenade thrower.
video of 20.6.2008 Bil'in demo at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gib9s6fl52c
Following an excerpt of report of member of the village popular comity:
"This week as part of Bilin's ongoing weekly resistance, the villagers and their international supporters organized a protest against the Apartheid Wall. The protesters carried signs and banners denouncing the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters. They also raised pictures of some of the villagers who had been wounded by Israeli Forces while participating in the protests. Below the pictures of the victims was written "Despite the hatred of your bullets, we will uproot your wall". Israeli Troops responded by showering the protest with tear gas and flash bombs and dozens were treated for tear gas inhalation."
==================================
* The Israeli anarchists against the wall initiative
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Palestine-Israel, Um Salmuna, Ni'ilin, Bil'in - the joint struggle against the separation fence and occupation continue
Just a report on the ongoing struggle the anarchists against the wall are involved with - main locations.
During this week, we participated in 4 demonstrations against the building of the separation fence at Ni'ilin. Two of them were direct actions against the construction process during work hours. Two others were late evening "noise demonstration" directed to the Hasmonaim colonial settlement the new fence is in the service of their grabbing more of Ni'ilin's remaining lands. Friday demonstrations were also in Um Salmuna and Bil'in (the 172nd). In the Bil'in demonstration the state force escalated their repression and used live ammunition: "Ibrahim, (age 26) was shot with live ammo in the thigh during the demo, and was evacuated to the hospital in critical condition due to massive blood loss. The bullets, apparently 3, who pierced through his leg ripped an artery, a vein and cause some yet uncertain nerve damage.
After being operated on for about three or four hours, Ibrahim was moved back into the intensive care unit at Sheikh Zeid hospital. It is still uncertain if he will be able to walk on the leg again.
A video clip of that demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF1ibN40FJE that robe another part of the remaining lands.
--------------------------
This Friday evening demonstration in Ni'ilin was more successful than the previous noisy ones. First, the Israeli state forces refrained from crossing the sewage stream separating the settlement hill and the Ni'ilin hill.
The long noisy demonstration included the flying of two kites - one of them with the colors of the Palestinian flag. The wind was on our side and with the long rope the kite was hovering beyond the route of the separation fence and the fences of the settlement, above the Hasmonaim colonialist settlement for about an hour.
The frustrated Israeli soldiers shoot from time to time empty shells imitating the sound of live ammunition - which failed to frighten any one of us.
During this week, we participated in 4 demonstrations against the building of the separation fence at Ni'ilin. Two of them were direct actions against the construction process during work hours. Two others were late evening "noise demonstration" directed to the Hasmonaim colonial settlement the new fence is in the service of their grabbing more of Ni'ilin's remaining lands. Friday demonstrations were also in Um Salmuna and Bil'in (the 172nd). In the Bil'in demonstration the state force escalated their repression and used live ammunition: "Ibrahim, (age 26) was shot with live ammo in the thigh during the demo, and was evacuated to the hospital in critical condition due to massive blood loss. The bullets, apparently 3, who pierced through his leg ripped an artery, a vein and cause some yet uncertain nerve damage.
After being operated on for about three or four hours, Ibrahim was moved back into the intensive care unit at Sheikh Zeid hospital. It is still uncertain if he will be able to walk on the leg again.
A video clip of that demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF1ibN40FJE that robe another part of the remaining lands.
--------------------------
This Friday evening demonstration in Ni'ilin was more successful than the previous noisy ones. First, the Israeli state forces refrained from crossing the sewage stream separating the settlement hill and the Ni'ilin hill.
The long noisy demonstration included the flying of two kites - one of them with the colors of the Palestinian flag. The wind was on our side and with the long rope the kite was hovering beyond the route of the separation fence and the fences of the settlement, above the Hasmonaim colonialist settlement for about an hour.
The frustrated Israeli soldiers shoot from time to time empty shells imitating the sound of live ammunition - which failed to frighten any one of us.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Palestine-Israel, The Anarchists Against the Walls and the joint struggle against the separation fence and occupation
This week we participated in the struggle in Bil'in, Um Salmuna, Ni'ilin, Kafin, and in Tel Aviv. In Bil'in during the week it was mainly around the outpost, the lands of the village on the west side of the separation fence, and the 3rd International Conference, and the 172nd Friday demo. In Ni'ilin it was the Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday demonstrations. At Um Salmuna it was the usual Friday demonstration. In Kafin it was the opening ceremony of the protest tent against the refusal to let the villagers access to their lands on the other side of the separation fence. In Tel Aviv, Saturday, it was the critical mass against the occupation and the demo of 1967 Nacsa 41st year.
BIL'IN
The state force and the colonial settlers harass the people who keep presence in the outpost built west of the route of the separation fence during the struggle against robbing the lands there. From time to time they even infringe on the lands belong to Bil'iners. Activists of the AAtW help to maintain the present there to minimize harassment of the Bil'iners, and replace them when they are prevented to reach the outpost.
This week, as part of our activities in Bil'in we participated in the 3rd International Conference on Nonviolent Popular Struggle. We also took part in the logistics of maintaining the Bil'in outpost.
In the big Friday demonstration in which conference participants from Palestine and abroad took part we had the usual harassment. After the lively marched of chants, dancing and slogans, from the center of the village to the route of the separation fence, we converged near the gate to the west of the separation fence. As usual, after a while, and without any provocation, the state force started to shoot tear gas canisters and rubber coated bullets.
Many suffered from the tear gas, few were injured by the direct sooting of canisters of tear gas (which is forbidden by the Israeli law...) - including Abdallah Abu Rakhme of the village popular comity.
Following is a media report on that harassment:
"Top EU official hurt in Bil'in protest: Vice President of European Parliament Luisa Morgantini hurt by IDF tear gas... Diplomatic incident in West Bank: Vice President of the European Parliament Luisa Morgantini and Irish Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Mairead Corrigan-Maguire were hurt Friday after inhaling tear gas during an anti-security fence protest in the West Bank village of Bil'in.
Later, Italian Judge Julio Toscano reportedly suffered head wounds after being hit by a tear gas grenade. The judge was taken to a Ramallah hospital for treatment.
According to protesters, dozens of the hundreds of demonstrators on hand were hurt by tear gas, while several were hit by gas canisters.
Former Palestinian National Security Advisor Jibril Rajoub and Palestinian Legislative Council Member Dr. Mustafa al-Barghouti were also hurt by tear gas.
The IDF said that about 70 Palestinians and left-wing activists took part in the protest [really few hundreds - I.S.] and hurled stones at security forces, who used crowd dispersal means in response. [The usual lie. Often the state force start their massive shooting after the youngsters respond to initial shooting. However, this Friday - like many others, the state force do not have the patience to wait for the kids stone throwing, and start the massive shooting with no provocation of any kind - I.S.].
Regarding Morgantini's condition, the army said that "those who take part in such protests and violate a closed military zone order should not be surprised to see the IDF respond with tear gas."
One of the protest organizers, Yonatan Pollak said that the army fired a "dazzling amount" of gas canisters, "about 30-40 per barrage."
[This is a new automatic shooter of tear gas canister developed for the use in the war on Gaza Strip and is tested in the Bil'in and Ni'ilin demonstrations - I. S.]
The IDF said that it regretted the fact that "week after week large numbers of security forces need to deal with Israeli rioters, who turned public disturbances into a regular occurrence."
The army noted that the weekly protest forces it to divert troops from other tasks such as counter-terror operations and defense missions.
[For their own PR needs, the Israeli state spoke persons claim that the Israeli activists of the AAtW are responsible for the incitement of the Palestinians to do the disobedient actions. The truth is that our presence is mostly needed for the prevention of use of live ammunition by the state forces in the dispersing of the Palestinian demonstrators... as the state force are forbidden from using live ammunition when Israelis are present. - I. S.]
This week like they do it sporadicly, border guards gendarmes tried in vain to block the way of some of the AAtW activists from reaching Bil'in.
Video clip of 30-5-08 demo in Bil'in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIqKZqykskc
NI'ILIN
One of the invitations:
"Demonstrations in Ni'ilin are expected to continue next week, with one already this Sunday morning. Please SMS or call me at 054xxxx if you can come. Also keep in mind that there will likely be demos Tuesday and Thursday"
One report:
"Cat: "Hi, Today demonstration in Ni'ilin was very powerful and well attended. In its nearly four hours we were able to disrupt construction three times for about 15 minutes each. 23 people were injured, 4 of them bad enough that they
had to be taken to the hospital.
There will be another demonstration Tuesday where the villagers will try and block the bulldozers and disrupt construction again."
Another report:
"D.: " Muhammad A. and myself were gassed together yesterday. As we took cover behind the wide trunk of an olive tree we conversed (in fluent Hebrew): He is somewhat over 40, worked in Israel at a tree nursery till about ten years ago, his direct family was cleansed from Jaffa in 48. His father was a well to do petrol merchant and with his savings he bought land tracts around his new refuge, Ni'lin. Today three families inhabit their original home in Jaffa, near the Clock Tower: He checked.
Muhammad's larger family owned about 800 acres (including some in Bil'in's famous now area). Settlements have been erected over most of this property. The last of the 300 dunums (75 acres) belonging to Muhammad's direct family are now swallowed to the last square inch in front of his eyes. Some of this was already gulped before by the Hashmonaim illegal settlement. The only compensation Muhammad receives from the settlers (Israeli-state) is their generous sewage products."
Photos: https://israel.indymedia.org/newswire/display/9136/index.php Including photo by Meged Gozani / Activestills.org
Palestine: Daily mobilizations to disrupt construction in Ni'ilin Monday, June 02 2008
"For the past two weeks, a nearly daily mobilization has been taking place in the village of Ni'ilin, where construction of the wall has begun. This video depicts a demonstration from Thursday, in which villagers and supporters tried blocking the bulldozers and were met by harsh military violence, which included concussion grenades, teargas and rubber bullets, as well as kicks and punches. Twelve were injured during the demonstration and two, one Palestinian and one Israeli, were arrested.
Friday saw a relatively calm demonstration, as no construction was happening, and though massive amounts of teargas were used, there were no injuries.
On Sunday, [1st of July] a general strike was declared in the village, and over 300 people set out to stop the bulldozers. The demonstrators were met by a massive contingent of soldiers who rained volleys of teargas, concussion grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets on them. Nevertheless, protesters have managed to get to the bulldozers and disrupt the construction three times during the day. 23 were injured and treated in the village's infirmary, while four of them had to be sent to the hospital for the severity of their injuries.
[The AAtW people who were on the way to participate in the demonstration just missed the Israeli state force... When we arrived, the soldiers just retreated from the village. So we participated in the demonstration without their
interference. I. S.]
The wall in the area is planned to leave about 2,500 dunams (approx. 620 acres, 250 hectares), practically annexing them to the nearby settlement. The route of the wall on village's lands was planned in order to allow, amongst other things, the construction of a graveyard for the adjacent settlements.
Demonstrations and the attempt to block the construction is expected to resume Tuesday and continue in the foreseeable future.
"today the army uprooted some trees. a delegation of land owners from the village went out to see what is going on and shame the soldiers. they will probably do the same tomorrow and we are invited for a demo on Wednesday."
On Wednesday 4-6-08 we participated in additional demonstration in Ni'ilin. See the video clip bellow.
On Friday, after the Bil'in and Um Salmuna demonstrations activists of the AAtW joined the special "noise orchestra for welcome of Saturday" for the near by Hashmonaim colonialist settlement (built on lands robbed in the past from Ni'ilin). The separation fence is supposed to supply it security but is really a mean for its expansion on more lands of Ni'ilin.
----------------------------
Ni'lin Demo against the wall 29-5-08 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ht0ecKZ0-0
Ni'lin demo against the wall 1-6-08 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H-etRbeMu8
Ni'lin demo against the wall 4-6-08 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfhHkilQC44
KAFIN
"On Thursday there will be a demo in Kafin and an opening of a protest camp. We are invited to both and I hope to get a more detailed invitation to pass on. If you can make it please get in touch with I."
"Greetings
Near the village of Kafin on the northern West Bank, the "Separation Fence" was erected already several years ago, cutting the villagers off from a large part of their lands. This despite that strong protests were also joined by the members of Kibbutz Metzer, located on the other side, who have good contacts of many years' standing with the people of Kafin.
Nowadays, the Kafin villagers are allowed only twice a week to cross the gate and get to their lands, which is not enough to carry on the necessary agricultural work. A few days ago they could only watch helplessly as a fire broke out and many of their olive trees were destroyed (and this is not the first fire of that kind!)
On Thursday this week, which is the anniversary of the occupation (June 5), the Kafin inhabitants will erect a protest tent near the fence separating them from their land, with the modest demand that the gate be opened every day, for needed agricultural work, rather than only twice a week. They intend to stay there for as long as it takes.
The Mayor of Kafin, Sa'id Karashi, called this morning to me as to other peace and anti-occupation activists and asks that Israelis who care will arrive and take part in erecting the protest tent, on Thursday June 5 at 11.00 in the morning. Please make all efforts to arrive!
For transportation details call I. S. of Anarchists Against Walls at 03-xxxxx.
Gush Shalom"
A day before the action, Buma, a member of the Kibbutz Metzer, contacted us and tried to convince us to renegade on our promise to participate. He claimed our presence will harm the village and so think a village authority...
Disregarding it, with directives of the village activists, a team of the AAtW and representative of Gush Shalom arrived in Kafin.
We participated in the march from the village to the project tent where dignitaries from the village and of the Palestinian leadership gave speeches.
We were inspired when we heard the part of the speeches giving honer to the joint struggle of Bil'in, Um Salmuna, and Ni'ilin, as inspiration to the expanding popular struggle against the separation fence and occupation.
SATURDAY
In Tel Aviv, the radical coalition the AAtW participate in, organized the 41st anniversary of the Nacsa - the occupation war of 1967.
The anarchist block contained in it the cyclists of the critical mass against the occupation that preceded the demonstration, the drummers circle, our flags and banner.
We also participated in discussion circled following the demo - mainly the one whose subject was the call of Palestinian initiative to boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel.
BIL'IN
The state force and the colonial settlers harass the people who keep presence in the outpost built west of the route of the separation fence during the struggle against robbing the lands there. From time to time they even infringe on the lands belong to Bil'iners. Activists of the AAtW help to maintain the present there to minimize harassment of the Bil'iners, and replace them when they are prevented to reach the outpost.
This week, as part of our activities in Bil'in we participated in the 3rd International Conference on Nonviolent Popular Struggle. We also took part in the logistics of maintaining the Bil'in outpost.
In the big Friday demonstration in which conference participants from Palestine and abroad took part we had the usual harassment. After the lively marched of chants, dancing and slogans, from the center of the village to the route of the separation fence, we converged near the gate to the west of the separation fence. As usual, after a while, and without any provocation, the state force started to shoot tear gas canisters and rubber coated bullets.
Many suffered from the tear gas, few were injured by the direct sooting of canisters of tear gas (which is forbidden by the Israeli law...) - including Abdallah Abu Rakhme of the village popular comity.
Following is a media report on that harassment:
"Top EU official hurt in Bil'in protest: Vice President of European Parliament Luisa Morgantini hurt by IDF tear gas... Diplomatic incident in West Bank: Vice President of the European Parliament Luisa Morgantini and Irish Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Mairead Corrigan-Maguire were hurt Friday after inhaling tear gas during an anti-security fence protest in the West Bank village of Bil'in.
Later, Italian Judge Julio Toscano reportedly suffered head wounds after being hit by a tear gas grenade. The judge was taken to a Ramallah hospital for treatment.
According to protesters, dozens of the hundreds of demonstrators on hand were hurt by tear gas, while several were hit by gas canisters.
Former Palestinian National Security Advisor Jibril Rajoub and Palestinian Legislative Council Member Dr. Mustafa al-Barghouti were also hurt by tear gas.
The IDF said that about 70 Palestinians and left-wing activists took part in the protest [really few hundreds - I.S.] and hurled stones at security forces, who used crowd dispersal means in response. [The usual lie. Often the state force start their massive shooting after the youngsters respond to initial shooting. However, this Friday - like many others, the state force do not have the patience to wait for the kids stone throwing, and start the massive shooting with no provocation of any kind - I.S.].
Regarding Morgantini's condition, the army said that "those who take part in such protests and violate a closed military zone order should not be surprised to see the IDF respond with tear gas."
One of the protest organizers, Yonatan Pollak said that the army fired a "dazzling amount" of gas canisters, "about 30-40 per barrage."
[This is a new automatic shooter of tear gas canister developed for the use in the war on Gaza Strip and is tested in the Bil'in and Ni'ilin demonstrations - I. S.]
The IDF said that it regretted the fact that "week after week large numbers of security forces need to deal with Israeli rioters, who turned public disturbances into a regular occurrence."
The army noted that the weekly protest forces it to divert troops from other tasks such as counter-terror operations and defense missions.
[For their own PR needs, the Israeli state spoke persons claim that the Israeli activists of the AAtW are responsible for the incitement of the Palestinians to do the disobedient actions. The truth is that our presence is mostly needed for the prevention of use of live ammunition by the state forces in the dispersing of the Palestinian demonstrators... as the state force are forbidden from using live ammunition when Israelis are present. - I. S.]
This week like they do it sporadicly, border guards gendarmes tried in vain to block the way of some of the AAtW activists from reaching Bil'in.
Video clip of 30-5-08 demo in Bil'in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIqKZqykskc
NI'ILIN
One of the invitations:
"Demonstrations in Ni'ilin are expected to continue next week, with one already this Sunday morning. Please SMS or call me at 054xxxx if you can come. Also keep in mind that there will likely be demos Tuesday and Thursday"
One report:
"Cat: "Hi, Today demonstration in Ni'ilin was very powerful and well attended. In its nearly four hours we were able to disrupt construction three times for about 15 minutes each. 23 people were injured, 4 of them bad enough that they
had to be taken to the hospital.
There will be another demonstration Tuesday where the villagers will try and block the bulldozers and disrupt construction again."
Another report:
"D.: " Muhammad A. and myself were gassed together yesterday. As we took cover behind the wide trunk of an olive tree we conversed (in fluent Hebrew): He is somewhat over 40, worked in Israel at a tree nursery till about ten years ago, his direct family was cleansed from Jaffa in 48. His father was a well to do petrol merchant and with his savings he bought land tracts around his new refuge, Ni'lin. Today three families inhabit their original home in Jaffa, near the Clock Tower: He checked.
Muhammad's larger family owned about 800 acres (including some in Bil'in's famous now area). Settlements have been erected over most of this property. The last of the 300 dunums (75 acres) belonging to Muhammad's direct family are now swallowed to the last square inch in front of his eyes. Some of this was already gulped before by the Hashmonaim illegal settlement. The only compensation Muhammad receives from the settlers (Israeli-state) is their generous sewage products."
Photos: https://israel.indymedia.org/newswire/display/9136/index.php Including photo by Meged Gozani / Activestills.org
Palestine: Daily mobilizations to disrupt construction in Ni'ilin Monday, June 02 2008
"For the past two weeks, a nearly daily mobilization has been taking place in the village of Ni'ilin, where construction of the wall has begun. This video depicts a demonstration from Thursday, in which villagers and supporters tried blocking the bulldozers and were met by harsh military violence, which included concussion grenades, teargas and rubber bullets, as well as kicks and punches. Twelve were injured during the demonstration and two, one Palestinian and one Israeli, were arrested.
Friday saw a relatively calm demonstration, as no construction was happening, and though massive amounts of teargas were used, there were no injuries.
On Sunday, [1st of July] a general strike was declared in the village, and over 300 people set out to stop the bulldozers. The demonstrators were met by a massive contingent of soldiers who rained volleys of teargas, concussion grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets on them. Nevertheless, protesters have managed to get to the bulldozers and disrupt the construction three times during the day. 23 were injured and treated in the village's infirmary, while four of them had to be sent to the hospital for the severity of their injuries.
[The AAtW people who were on the way to participate in the demonstration just missed the Israeli state force... When we arrived, the soldiers just retreated from the village. So we participated in the demonstration without their
interference. I. S.]
The wall in the area is planned to leave about 2,500 dunams (approx. 620 acres, 250 hectares), practically annexing them to the nearby settlement. The route of the wall on village's lands was planned in order to allow, amongst other things, the construction of a graveyard for the adjacent settlements.
Demonstrations and the attempt to block the construction is expected to resume Tuesday and continue in the foreseeable future.
"today the army uprooted some trees. a delegation of land owners from the village went out to see what is going on and shame the soldiers. they will probably do the same tomorrow and we are invited for a demo on Wednesday."
On Wednesday 4-6-08 we participated in additional demonstration in Ni'ilin. See the video clip bellow.
On Friday, after the Bil'in and Um Salmuna demonstrations activists of the AAtW joined the special "noise orchestra for welcome of Saturday" for the near by Hashmonaim colonialist settlement (built on lands robbed in the past from Ni'ilin). The separation fence is supposed to supply it security but is really a mean for its expansion on more lands of Ni'ilin.
----------------------------
Ni'lin Demo against the wall 29-5-08 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ht0ecKZ0-0
Ni'lin demo against the wall 1-6-08 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H-etRbeMu8
Ni'lin demo against the wall 4-6-08 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfhHkilQC44
KAFIN
"On Thursday there will be a demo in Kafin and an opening of a protest camp. We are invited to both and I hope to get a more detailed invitation to pass on. If you can make it please get in touch with I."
"Greetings
Near the village of Kafin on the northern West Bank, the "Separation Fence" was erected already several years ago, cutting the villagers off from a large part of their lands. This despite that strong protests were also joined by the members of Kibbutz Metzer, located on the other side, who have good contacts of many years' standing with the people of Kafin.
Nowadays, the Kafin villagers are allowed only twice a week to cross the gate and get to their lands, which is not enough to carry on the necessary agricultural work. A few days ago they could only watch helplessly as a fire broke out and many of their olive trees were destroyed (and this is not the first fire of that kind!)
On Thursday this week, which is the anniversary of the occupation (June 5), the Kafin inhabitants will erect a protest tent near the fence separating them from their land, with the modest demand that the gate be opened every day, for needed agricultural work, rather than only twice a week. They intend to stay there for as long as it takes.
The Mayor of Kafin, Sa'id Karashi, called this morning to me as to other peace and anti-occupation activists and asks that Israelis who care will arrive and take part in erecting the protest tent, on Thursday June 5 at 11.00 in the morning. Please make all efforts to arrive!
For transportation details call I. S. of Anarchists Against Walls at 03-xxxxx.
Gush Shalom"
A day before the action, Buma, a member of the Kibbutz Metzer, contacted us and tried to convince us to renegade on our promise to participate. He claimed our presence will harm the village and so think a village authority...
Disregarding it, with directives of the village activists, a team of the AAtW and representative of Gush Shalom arrived in Kafin.
We participated in the march from the village to the project tent where dignitaries from the village and of the Palestinian leadership gave speeches.
We were inspired when we heard the part of the speeches giving honer to the joint struggle of Bil'in, Um Salmuna, and Ni'ilin, as inspiration to the expanding popular struggle against the separation fence and occupation.
SATURDAY
In Tel Aviv, the radical coalition the AAtW participate in, organized the 41st anniversary of the Nacsa - the occupation war of 1967.
The anarchist block contained in it the cyclists of the critical mass against the occupation that preceded the demonstration, the drummers circle, our flags and banner.
We also participated in discussion circled following the demo - mainly the one whose subject was the call of Palestinian initiative to boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel.
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