Palestinians scuffle with Israeli troops while commemorating Nakba

Ramallah: At least 50 Palestinian protesters were hospitalized sustaining light and moderate injures on Tuesday when the Palestinian public in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Diaspora marked Al Nakba Day.

Palestinian protestors scuffled with Israeli soldiers in Ofar Camp, Qalandyah Crossing, Al Isawiyah in the occupied East Jerusalem, Beit Omar in Hebron and Bilin near Ramallah. Many protesters managed to cross the borders between the village of Bilin and the 1948 borderline with Israeel. Dozens were arrested including activist Naji Al Tamimi, a popular resistance coordinator.

Reports of excessive force emerged, as protesters were shot with rubber bullets and others brutally beaten. The Palestinian public, UN, and private schools were dismissed midday to take part in the planned protests. Prime Minster Salam Fayyad addressed the rally with the usual rhetoric that is repeated every year.

“There will be no peace with Israel without the return of all Palestinian refugees to their homelands,” he said. “The right of return is a sacred Palestinian right which does not die and will not be abandoned,” he added.