Scores injured in Qalandia Nakba Day demonstration
Joseph Dana (repost) | 16.05.2011 08:51 | Palestine | Repression | World
Qalandia Nakba demonstration Photo: Joseph Dana
As soon as the demonstration got close to the checkpoint, the Israeli army opened tear gas fire from rooftops and from the checkpoint. Scores were injured from tear gas inhalation with some suffering from seizures according to local medical personal on the scene. Despite the attacks, demonstrators regrouped and, for over five hours, attempted to walk peacefully to Jerusalem.
Clashes broke out between stone throwing Palestinian youth and Israeli soldiers after the first hour of protest. These clashes resulted in several incursions by Israeli soldiers resulting in the arrest of four arrests of minors. The arrests were made by soldiers with the assistance of undercover Israeli police dressed as protesters. Protesters also attempted to upend on section of the eight meter high concrete wall that comprises the Qalandiay checkpoint. They were not succuessful.
According to medical staff on the scene, over 100 people were injured from tear gas with scores going into shock or seizure from the highly potent strain of gas that the Israeli army used in the demonstrations. 20 people were transferred to Ramallah hospital with medium to serious wounds including one minor who was shot in the face with a rubber coated bullet. The Israeli army did not report any injuries.
Video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buGYv35X1yE
Joseph Dana (repost)
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http://972mag.com/scores-injured-in-qalandia-nakba-day-demonstration/