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Clashes erupt at Palestinian protest in support of hunger strikers
[IsraelTimes] Palestinian youths hurl stones at IDF soldiers who respond with rubber bullets, water cannon; 2 injuredClashes erupted in the West Bank on Thursday between Israeli soldiers and hundreds of Paleostinians protesting in support of hunger strikers in Israeli prisons, leaving at least two people maimed. Youths wearing hoods or masks threw stones at IDF soldiers, who responded with rubber bullets and water cannon containing foul-smelling liquid. The two Paleostinians were hit by rubber bullets and evacuated on stretchers with bloodied legs, an AFP journalist reported. The festivities broke out at a checkpoint at the entrance to Ramallah. The protest was called in support of hundreds of Paleostinian security prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails since April 17. "We are entering an extremely critical period" for the hunger strikers, Qadura Fares, head of the Paleostinian Prisoners Club, said earlier at a rally in Ramallah. "A large number of prisoners can no longer move from their bed or take care of their basic needs." The International Committee of the Red Thingy (ICRC) visited the leader of the hunger strike, popular Paleostinian figure and convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti, on Thursday for the first time since it began. Barghouti is serving five life sentences for his role in orchestrating deadly terror attacks during the second Paleostinian intifada. An ICRC front man was unable to provide an update on his health "in accordance with the principles of medical confidentiality." The ICRC had also been allowed access to other prisoners on hunger strike. Israeli authorities say 894 Paleostinian prisoners have kept up the strike, while Paleostinian officials say it is more than 1,000. Some 6,500 Paleostinians are currently held by Israel for a range of offenses and alleged crimes. Israel says prisoners’ conditions meet all international standards. Explosives, gun seized in IDF raid in Tulkarem refugee camp [Ynet] IDF forces, Border Police and the Shin Bet seized four pipe bombs and a Carlo sub-machine gun in the Tulkarem refugee camp. Two residents of the refugee camp in their 20s were also detained for questioning in connection with the weapons. Posted by: trailing wife 2017-05-12 |
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