Santa Claus Against The Wall in Bil'in

26/12/2008

by Bil’in Popular Committee

Bil’in residents left after the Friday prayer in a march joined by international and Israeli peace activists. Waving Palestinian flags, and banners against the Israeli occupation. The protest today was solidarity with Palestinian families inside Israeli jails especially Juma’a Muosa’s family and Ahmad Sa’dat and Ofers’ detainees. The Popular committee condemned the violence against the detainees inside Israeli prisons.

The protesters marched, chanting slogans of the same substance, and another calling the Israeli activists to refuse serving in the military. The protest also condemned the arrest of Israeli refuzniks and demanded their release.

The demonstrators carried banners calling for the end the occupation and stop settlements and checkpoints, release of all detainees, and national unity among the Palestinians. Santa Claus also joined the protest today and congratulated Muslims for the Al-adha Eid and Christians for Christmas.

When the demonstrators approached the fence, the army prevented them from crossing the main gate where soldiers standing behind concrete blocks. When the protesters attempted to cross the gate, the army began firing stun grenades, gas and rubber-coated metal bullets. Dozens suffered teargas inhalation, and two were injured: Wa’el Fahmi Nasser and Adeeb Abu Rahma.