Israel Cracks Down on Several Anti-Settlement Protests in West Bank

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank faced a violent crackdown by Israeli forces on Friday, as they protested against the regime’s illegal settlement expansion on their land.

Local sources told the Palestinian WAFA news agency that Israeli forces attacked protesters in the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya on Friday, leading to confrontations.

The Israeli forces used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the protesters, who had gathered for their weekly demonstration against the confiscation of Palestinian land by the regime.

At least three people were wounded by rubber-coated steel bullets and dozens more suffered from tear gas inhalation. They received treatment at the scene.

Israel’s widespread crackdown

Also on Friday, Israeli forces staged similar attacks against Palestinians in several other areas in the West Bank.

They stormed Shu’fat refugee camp, northeast of the occupied al-Quds, removing flags and banners supporting the resistance, including those related to Hamas.

The occupation forces fired a barrage of tear gas canisters at citizens, their homes, and shops, causing dozens of citizens to face difficulty breathing, the Palestinian Shehab news agency reported. 

They also attacked protests in the village of Beit Dajan and Beita town in Nablus.

Clashes also took place in Qaryout village as Israeli settlers, backed by the regime forces, staged a provocative raid there.

The raid triggered clashes with young Palestinian men, leaving dozens of them injured.

On Fridays, several areas in the West Bank witness weekly anti-settlement activities and marches, which are often attacked by Israeli forces firing live and rubber bullets as well as tear gas.

According to the UN, more than 700,000 Israelis live in settlements across the West Bank. The settlements are illegal under international law.  

Source: Press TV