Around 2000 people gathered today in Bil’in for the weekly protest against the Apartheid Wall, a massive demonstration attended by Palestinian official representatives, members of the Popular committees, Palestinian, Israeli and international peace activists: all together to mark 5 years of the popular struggle in the West Bank village. The local committee started organizing protest activities in early 2005 and after 5 years Bil’in has become a symbol of the non-violent resistance against Israeli occupation and has inspired several other villages in
Dr Mustafa Barghouthi was at the protest to celebrate the 5th anniversary, showing solidarity and support to the long-term commitment of peace activists. Furthermore, medical care and ambulances were provided by the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, a medical grass-roots NGO, which Barghouthi founded 30 years ago.
After the prayer, Palestinian and UE representatives gave their speeches. Dr Barghouthi said “For 5 years residents of Bil’in have been peacefully resisting the building of the Apartheid Wall, every single Friday. This represents the Palestinian commitment to non-violence principles.” He added: “ Palestinians living in areas threatened by the Israeli separation Wall should be empowered to resist the theft of their land”. He also remembered Palestinian and international activists who have lost their lives whilst protesting.” In 2009, a non-violent Bil’in activist was murdered by a gas canister fired the Israeli Army and shot at his chest.
When protesters marched to the Wall, dozens of tear gas canisters were fired on them by Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military suddenly shot sound bombs and used a water cannon that shot “darban”, bad smell water. Dozens of demonstrators were treated for teargas inhalation.