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Bili’n demonstrators mark the fourth anniversary of Yasir Arafat’s death

Dozens suffer from teargas inhalation during the weekly non-violent demonstration in Bil’in

Report by the Bil’in Popular Committee Against the Apartheid Wall and Settlements


Video courtesy of Israel Putermam

To view the Bil’in village website click here

Friday, 7th of November, 2008

A protest was launched today after the Friday prayer in Bil’in, with residents joined by international and Israeli activists. Palestinian flags, photos of Yasir Arafat, and banners marking his death were carried during the demonstration. Mr. Mashour Abu Daqa, the Minister of Traffic and Transport, and Mr. Basem Al Masri joined the demonstration today.

The demonstrators marched in the village chanting against the discriminatory policies of the occupation and paying respect for Arafat’s life. When the protest reached the gate, they were stopped by sound grenades and teargas. Dozens suffered from gas inhalation.

Also, the head of the Middle East Committee in the European Parliament, Mr. Aristotelis Pavlides, along with Mr. Moheb Awad, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and Mr. Walid Assaf, a member of the Fatah party visited the village yesterday. The delegation was welcomed by the head of Bili’n’s council, Mr. Ahmad Issa Yasin, Mr. Abdellah Abu Rahamah and Mohammad Abu Rahama gave a presentation about the wall and the village’s experience in resisting the occupation. The two Palestinian Legislative Council members gave a presentation about the political situation and the violations that Palestinians face on daily bases. The delegation promised to work on both sides, the Palestinian and the Israeli to reduce the suffering on the Palestinians and bring peace to the region.