International Solidarity Movement Nonviolence. Justice. Freedom.
Ni’lin 27th December 2008
In solidarity with the Gaza, over 350 residents of Ni’lin and 8 international solidarity activists marched towards the checkpoint at the entrance of the village at 6:15pm. After the prayer, hundreds gathered in the center of the village. They marched together to protest the brutal murder of over 210 Gazans and injury of over 340 as a result of Israeli Air Force raids earlier this morning. The group was dispersed when Israeli soldiers began to shoot tear gas and rubber coated steel bullets. Residents remained on the street until 8pm expressing their desire for an end to killings.
This demonstration is a continuation of an earlier one at the checkpoint. At around 1pm, about 40 residents along with 8 international solidarity activists protested the violent attacks on Gaza. The soldiers responded by shooting tear gas canisters and rubber coated steel bullets directly towards demonstrators.
Two Palestinians were hit by tear gas canisters and three Palestinians were shot with rubber coated steel bullets, along with one Spanish solidarity activist. Most of the demonstrators suffered from the pepper laced tear gas. The first demonstration of the day ended at 5:30pm.
Ni’lin is severely affected by the Israeli Occupation. The construction of the Apartheid Wall will annex much of Ni’lin’s land. Their resistance is manifested through the many demonstrations against the wall and checkpoint that take place every week.
