Bil'in, a village of Palestine

Justice for Adeeb Abu Rahma: Peaceful protest is not a crime

24/06/2010

The conflict between the Israeli military and security and the popular non-violent Palestinian resistance is reaching a crisis – in large part a tribute to the worldwide credibility and admiration the resistance is steadily winning.

Today in Palestine, such resistance is breaking out in larger towns, small villages, Bedouin encampments, in both Christian and Muslim areas. People are marching, chanting and singing, carrying signs, and often using very funny or touching street theatre. Palestinians are calling for their rights, joined and assisted by international and Israeli volunteers in a new model of friendship and brotherhood that offers hope for the future.

Three solidarity activists arrested, three villagers wounded and dozens of people asphyxiated by tear gas in the Bil'in Weekly Protest

18/06/2010

Three villagers were wounded today, three activist were arrested, and there were dozens of cases of suffocation as a result of the inhalation of tear gas, in the village of Bil’in. The Israeli Occupying Army once again acted to the suppress the weekly march against the wall and settlements which was attended by Israeli and international peace activists.

The village of Bil’in, along with the peace activists, participated in the march called by the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Bil’in. The participants in the march raised Palestinian flags and banners condemning the policies of occupation and settlements, as well as some which condemned the attacks on Palestinian homes in Jerusalem. They called for a halt to the Army’s campaign of arrests in the West Bank, while demanding the release of all prisoners and the lifting of the siege on the Gaza Strip.

Spirit strong in weekend demonstrations

15/06/2010

Demonstrators in Bil’in today formed their own Palestine national football team, coinciding with the start of the World Cup, to highlight their right to be an independent nation. The players, together with dozens of other Palestinian, Israeli and international activists, marched to the annexation barrier at the edge of the village, where a goal was constructed and a game was begun. Israeli soldiers responded to this entirely non-violent activity by firing volleys of tear gas at the participants. They then came through the fence, and arrested 6 journalists, four of whom were soon released.

Israeli military forces attack Bil'in's Freedom Flotilla ship for the second time

04/06/2010

A large number of Israeli occupation army soldiers (IOF) again attacked The Freedom Flotilla in the village of Bil’in. During the weekly march, seven people, including three journalists were injured, three activists were arrested, and there were dozens of cases of suffocation as a result of the inhalation of tear gas.

Before the start of the march, participants held a minute of silence and mourning and read verses for the souls of martyrs of The Freedom Flotilla to Break the Siege on Gaza. Dr. Rateb Abu Rahmeh, media coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and settlements, said in his speech, « We stand today in honor of the martyrs of The Freedom Flotilla and send salutations to all who participated and organized and funded The Freedom Flotilla. We commend Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey, Kuwait, Ireland, Sweden, Algeria, Greece. We demand more participation from the Arab countries, international officials and popular movements in order to enlarge support for The Freedom Flotilla 2 ».

Israel Arrests Free Gaza Chairwoman

04/06/2010

Huwaida Arraf, Chairwoman and one of the passengers on the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza was arrested today by Israeli Border Police at the weekly nonviolent demonstration in Bil’in.