15 peaceful protestors injured in Az Zawiya

15 peaceful protestors injured in Az Zawiya village while trying to stop Apartheid Wall

[Az-Zawiya, Salfit] Today the villagers from Az Zawiya held another protest against the building of the wall.

The wall will leave the village with only 10% of their agricultural land. They will also lose access to their olive trees, almond trees and vegetable greenhouses. Hundreds of villagers including women, children and elderly people held a spontaneous protest by marching to their land to stop the bulldozers. They were accompanied by internationals from Sweden, Australia Canada England and America. As they were trying to get to their land they were stopped by tens of canisters of bulldozers being thrown at them.

Many people were injured from the tear gas and 15 people had to receive medical help.

It was reported that one man was shot by a rubber bullet. A villager also reported that several children were picked up by the army and taken to a disused water bore. They were told to get inside and then tear gas was thrown into the container. 10 young boys had to be taken to the doctors.

The building at Az Zawiya is the start of the second phase of the wall. The three villages of Az Zawiya, Rafat and Deir Ballut will be completely cut off from their land and from access to other parts of the west bank.

The villagers have vowed to continue their protests until the wall is stopped. Tomorrow there will be another demonstration with internationals and Israelis present.

On Friday 11th June 2004, villagers from all three villages imminently affected by the second phase of the wall, will hold a mass demonstration in Az Zawiya. The march will start around 10am attempting to reach the olive groves for prayers for peace.

To see the pictures of the last action in Az-Zawiya, please go to:

http://www.palsolidarity.org/pictures/PHOTOS_9Jun04_10_46_24TulkaremISM.htm

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