International Solidarity Movement - Update

For immediate release:

International Solidarity Movement - Update

11:30am on Saturday, the 28th of March, Israeli forces violently dispersed a Hebron demonstration, firing tear gas and sound bombs and detaining one German solidarity activist.

More than 50 Palestinian residents of Hebron, supported by international solidarity activists, were nonviolently rallying against the illegal Israeli settlements inside of Hebron's old city. The demonstrators gathered near Beit Romano settlement, holding signs against the occupation and chanting, "free, free Palestine!"

Israeli soldiers and police responded by firing sound bombs and tear gas. At this time, a German solidarity activist was taken to the police station, where he continues to be held.

Knesset member Mohammad Barakeh was also present to speak in support of the demonstration, which was organized by the Youth Against Settlements group.

This demonstration also marked Land Day, which commemorates the massacre of six Palestinians citizens of Israel by Israeli authorities during demonstrations in the Galilee on March 30, 1976. Every year, Land Day is remembered all over Palestine with protests against the Israeli occupation.

Hundreds of illegal Israeli settlers are living in Hebron's old city. Road closures prevent Palestinians from accessing large areas of the old city, which remain under direct control of the Israeli military.

ends

© Scoop Media