2 injured in Beit Jala rally for Rachel Corrie
Reageer (0)21-3-2010
Bethlehem - Two locals were hurt on Sunday when Israeli forces used riot-dispersal means in Beit Jala, near Bethlehem, against a rally commemorating the killing of Rachel Corrie.
Corrie, a US peace activist with the International Solidarity Movement, was killed on 16 March 2003 when she was crushed by a bulldozer operated by an Israeli soldier, preparing to demolish a Palestinian's home in Gaza.
The rally was joined by dozens of residents, representatives and international peace activists, reporting that Israeli soldiers prevented them from reaching land behind the old Crimsan road in Bethlehem and began firing tear-gas canisters. Two residents suffered tear-gas inhalation and were transferred to the Arab Society Hospital in Beit Jala for treatment.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said that "30 Palestinians hurled rocks as Israeli security forces in Beit Jala in a violent riot," in which forces used riot dispersal means. Concerning the injuries, the spokeswoman said she was not immediately aware but would look into the incident.
Popular committee coordinator, Imad Abu Nasser, said the weekly rallies would continue despite Israeli obstacles and checkpoints.
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