In spite of harsh weather conditions, demonstrators in An Nabi Salih, Bil'in, Ni'lin, Ma'asara and Sheikh Jarrah once again took to the fields and streets, protesting against the ongoing occupation and the land grabs. Soldiers and police too came out, shooting demonstrators and trying to make arrests. The fight goes on.

an Nabi Saleh

During this week's Friday demonstrations dozens have suffered tear-gas inhalation. In Bil'in, Iyad Burnat, the head of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements, was directly hit in his hand by a tear-gas canister, which caused major burns. In An Nabi Salih, the border police deliberately targeted a house close to the road and shot at least one tear gas canister into the house causing about 20 people to be trapped inside without the ability to escape the gas.

Four weekly demonstrations were held this Friday, January 22, 2010 – in the face of an orchestrated campaign by the Israeli Police, Military & Prosecution. Dozens of Palestinians were arrested in night raids during the last week, while in Eastern Jerusalem the Police retains its policy of arresting around 20 demonstrators each week.

Demonstration in Nabi-Saleh, January 22, 2010

After a week of night-time raids into villages and activists' houses throughout the West Bank, with many leaders of the popular struggle arrested and others threatened, Friday demonstrations took place in Bil'in, Ma'asara, Ni'ilin, Sheikh Jarrah and An Nabi Saleh. Army and police brutality continues to rise, and demonstrators have been beaten, shot and arrested. The struggle continues.

While in the village of Maasara soldiers stormed into the main street with loaded guns, throwing stun grenades all over the place and into people's yards, around 120 residents of An Nabi Saleh joined Israeli  and international activcists in a non-violent demonstration during which the Israeli military fired dozens canisters of teargas, as well as rubber steel coated bullets and live ammunition at the un-armed demonstrators. More than 20 residents of the village were injured as a result, including three who were hospitalized.

Palestine welcomed the first day of the new decade with four weekly demonstrations - in Bil'in, Maasara, Ni'ilin & Sheikh Jarah.

Bil'in Weekly Demonstration, January 1 2010