In the West Bank, demonstrations in Jenin, Ramallah and Nablus
As soon as the very strong intensification of strikes on Gaza was announced on Friday evening, Palestinians from the occupied West Bank took to the streets of Jenin, Ramallah and Nablus to shout their anger against Israel. Since the start of Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip, tension has been rising in the West Bank, with demonstrations in support of Gaza and numerous operations by the Israeli army, which have resulted in the deaths of more than a hundred Palestinians, according to the Palestinian authorities. .
Friday in Ramallah, after prayer and yet another demonstration, some young people took out slingshots and keffiyehs to challenge Israeli soldiers positioned to protect the Israeli colony of Bet El, near Ramallah, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP). Settlers who crystallize the anger of the Palestinians in the West Bank. Around a burning garbage dumpster, supported by others who remain at a distance, they aim their slingshots at the soldiers under the eye of paramedics and numerous journalists from around the world. “I came here in solidarity with our people in Gaza, it’s the least we can do”Mariam Ismail told AFP, moved by the crowd facing the soldiers.
Since 2007, the Palestinian Authority of President Mahmoud Abbas, who governs in the West Bank, has no longer exercised any control over the Gaza Strip after being expelled by Hamas after a few days of fratricidal clashes. According to Ms. Ismail, many more would be there if not for the arrests of recent weeks, which have notably targeted local Hamas members.
Around her, several demonstrators came with their families. “I’m afraid for my son, obviously, but honestly, he’s the one who asked me to come here with him”explains Ahmad Nhalla, accompanied by Zain, 10 years old. “It consumes me, I am angry at the occupier for his incessant crimes against our people”the father of the family is indignant, approved by those who listen to him.
An Israeli military vehicle and the young demonstrators determined to fight are approaching little by little. Suddenly, tear gas spreads. ” I am scared “, repeats a woman, crying. A young man was shot in the left leg and evacuated by ambulance, AFP noted.