Ramallah – PNN - The Israeli Army shot tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protestors today at the Qalandiya checkpoint, between Jerusalem and Ramallah, causing several injuries.
Coinciding with the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a non-violent protest took place at Qalandiya checkpoint under the slogan “Knocking on Jerusalem's Doors”. Palestinian, Israeli and international activists assembled next to the wall surrounding Ramallah to demand freedom of access for Palestinians wishing to enter and worship in Jerusalem.
Only Palestinian men over 50 years of age and women over 45 were allowed through the checkpoint, while dozens of younger West Bank residents were prevented by the Israeli soldiers from attending prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, in Jerusalem's Old City.
Many Palestinians found themselves holding noon prayer right in front of the checkpoint, where an Imam from Ramallah moved to lead the worship. After praying, demonstrators raised Palestinians flags and signs demanding Israel to end the occupation, and attempted once again to walk trough the checkpoint.
Israeli soldiers responded by shooting tear gas and stun grenades at the protestors, even in the vicinity of health workers and international media. As a result, several people were injured from tear gas inhalation. At least two Palestinian activists,
Basel Mansour and Ashraf Abu Rahmeh, were arrested by Israeli forces and remain in detention.
PNN - Palestine News Network
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