Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on Saturday quelled a rally that kicked off in Bethlehem after approaching the northern entrance to the city.

Local sources told the PIC reporter that the peaceful march followed a press conference by a number of Christian clergymen who expressed their refusal of the US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

IOF soldiers showered the marchers with tear gas canisters leading to the injury of Hisham Abu Shaqra the cameraman of Anadolu News Agency who suffered suffocation while covering the event.

BETHLEHEM (PIC)– The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Friday afternoon attacked a peaceful Christmas march at the northern entrance to Bethlehem city and caused injuries to several participants.

Some participants in the march which was organized by anti-settlement activists were wearing Santa Claus costumes according to the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) reporter in the city.

Upon their arrival at the military gate near Bilal Ibn Rabah Mosque which was encircled by the segregation wall the IOF intercepted the marchers and then fired volleys of tear gas grenades and rubber bullets at them.

Six young men suffered rubber bullet injuries in different areas of their bodies and were evacuated to Beit Jala hospital while many others suffocated from inhaling tear gas.

One of the participants told the PIC that the march was aimed to send a message to the world that “the peace in the native city of Jesus is absent because of Israel’s aggressive practices.”