Dozens suffer breathing problems in IOF quelling of WB marches

 Israeli occupation forces (IOF) used excessive force to disperse peaceful marches in West Bank villages on Friday that are weekly organized to protest the separation wall and growing settlement drive.

Tens of participants in those marches in Ma’sara, Bethlehem district, and Bilin, Ramallah district, were treated for gas inhalation and minor wounds as a result of the IOF use of teargas canisters in addition to stun grenades and rubber bullets against them.

The villagers, joined by foreign peace activists, hoisted Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against the separation wall and the settlement activities.

The IOF troops had arrested 13 Palestinians and foreign activists north of Al-Khalil city on Thursday for assisting farmers in tending to their lands in Safa, Beit Ummar village.

Local sources said that the soldiers took the detainees to Etzion detention center south of Bethlehem as citizens clashed with the troops in Beit Ummar.