CPTnet March 1, 2004 HEBRON: Palestinians protest the Israeli Wall/Fence

Palestinian schools and civic businesses closed early on February 23, 2004
so that students and workers could join in a demonstration to protest the
separation wall/fence that the Israeli government is continuing to build on
Palestinian
land in the West Bank.

About 3000 people from Hebron participated in the protest march that started
halfway up Ensara Street and ended below Bab iZaweyya. Many Palestinian
groups participated, including a delegation from the Mayor's office and the
Governor's office.

When the marchers reached the cement blocks in Bab iZaweyya and continued
down Lower Shalaileh Street towards the Old City, jeeps of Israeli soldiers
and border police prevented them from going further. In the clash that
ensued, Palestinian boys threw rocks at the Israeli soldiers and the Israeli
soldiers fired tear gas and percussion grenades at
the Palestinian demonstrators. CPTers Kristin Anderson, Diane Janzen and
Cal Carpenter observed the clash for over an hour.

The Palestinian Authority called this day of protest and strike across the
West Bank in response to the continued building of the separation wall/fence
on Palestinian territory by the Israeli government. This wall/fence
encircles illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank on the Israeli side
of the wall and annexes Palestinian land in the process.

February 23, 2004 was also the day that the International Court of Justice
in The Hague began hearings on the legality of the Israeli separation
wall/fence.

Palestinian friends of the team commented on the high turnout at the
demonstration, saying they were hopeful that this demonstration would
encourage nonviolent resistance in the Hebron district.