Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) quelled peaceful marches organized on Friday in Bethlehem city and Beita town near Nablus city in solidarity with hunger striking prisoners in Israeli jails.
The PIC reporter said that Bethlehem march kicked off from the tent that was set up in solidarity with striking detainees and headed to the northern entrance of the city. The marchers carried photos of captives along with Palestinian flags. They chanted slogans in support of the striking prisoners and others condemning Israeli practices against detainees.
Clashes erupted as the march was approaching the flashpoint site with IOF soldiers firing tear gas at the marchers leading to suffocation cases among participants. Some of the marchers were injured with shrapnel of tear gas grenades. The IOF soldiers arrested one of the protesters.
Similar clashes broke out at the entrance of Beita town south of Nablus city after Friday prayer was performed at the town’s entrance in order to express solidarity with striking captives.
Officer of Palestinian Red Crescent Society Yousef Deiriyeh told the PIC reporter that fifteen Palestinians choked on tear gas fired by IOF soldiers. Two young men were arrested he added.
