Nonviolent Demonstrations at Beit Ula

On the first day of protest, some 50-60 Beit Ula villagers, 20-25 international activists, and 10 Israeli activists approached the construction site of the annexation barrier with the purpose of stopping construction and erecting a tent on land threatened by the construction. Soldiers and border police prevented the tent from being carried to the site and also attempted to arrest several of the protesters. Although internationals were able to de-arrest some Palestinians, soldiers managed to arrest two of the villagers. Many internationals were also arrested and released at the protest, but one, John from Ireland, was still detained until Sunday when he was released.

Another pair of internationals, John from Boston, and Simon from England, were handcuffed together before being released. On the second day, Beit Ula residents, with international and Israeli activists (10-15 together)decided to approach the site in order to halt construction. Prior to making the approach, the Friday prayer was held near the area of construction. Although Israeli forces fired tear gas at the protesters, it landed far away from them and the protesters were able to approach

the site. By the time we reached, the construction equipment (in operation when we arrived) halted construction and returned to their compound inside a barbed wire fence.

The annexation barrier being built by Israel in the West Bank threatens to annex 1000 dunums of Beit Ula.

http://www.ccmep.org/2004_articles/palestine/120304_nonviolent_demonstrations_at_bei.htm