Palestinians hold anti-wall protests

Hundreds of Palestinians and international peace activists have held a protest rally against the Israeli separation wall in the occupied West Bank, calling for the destruction of the illegal barrier.

Protesters say Israel has forcibly and illegally captured land owned by Palestinians to construct the ‘apartheid wall,’ which will cut villagers off from vast stretches of their land and restricts their movement.

Tel Aviv has captured nearly 60 percent of Bilin village, near the West Bank city of Ramallah, to build the separation wall and illegal Jewish settlements.

Palestinians hold peaceful anti-wall and anti-settlement protests in Bilin every Friday, but Israeli troops often use violence to disperse the protesters.

Last week, a 35-year old Palestinian woman was killed after Israeli troops attacked the peaceful demonstration in the village. Ten other, including international activists, were also injured in the attack.

Palestinian sources say Jawaher Abu Rahma, died of tear gas inhalation. The American-made CS tear gas canister that caused the death has long been banned.

Jawaher is the third member of the Abu Rahma family to be killed during anti-barrier protests. Two of her brothers, Ashraf and Bassem, were also killed after Israeli troops opened fire on peaceful protesters.

Tel Aviv began constructing the West Bank separation wall in 2000. The International Court of Justice says the wall is illegal and should be taken down.