CPTnet
6 June 2012
AL-KHALIL (HEBRON): Violence mars end of peaceful Naksa Day demonstration

CPT monitored a demonstration to “Open Shuhada Street” organized by the Hebron Defense Committee to commemorate the 45^th anniversary of Al-Naksa Day, when Israel gained control of most of the West Bank on 5 June 1967. 

The participants gathered from different parts of the city, and planned their action to take place in the Old City at Bab il Baledeyya plaza at 2:00 p.m. A metal gate at Bab il Baledeyya blocks access to Shuhada Street. However, the Israeli military blocked access to the area and the demonstration took place about ten meters up one of the side streets. The bulk of the demonstration was peaceful, involving chanting slogans and carrying flags and signs. Soldiers detained three protesters who broke through the metal barrier.

The crowd announced they would leave if the military would release the three. They did and the action began peacefully to disband around 3:15 p.m. A significant crowd remained about twenty meters above the barriers. Around 3:30 p.m., several young men began throwing rocks and sticks. The Israeli military responded with tear gas and concussion grenades. The remaining crowd then dispersed within several minutes. Also participating in the demonstration were Youth Against Settlement and the International Solidarity Movement.