Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops in Bethlehem

Violent clashes erupted near Bethlehem yesterday in response to the shooting of Palestinian student Fadi Aloon in Jerusalem on Saturday.

Israeli security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at around 100 protesters in Aida refugee camp between 4-7pm.

The group, including some children, overturned skips to form a blockade under the iconic “Key of Return” at the entrance of the camp.

One of the Palestinian children present, 12-year-old Ahmed, said: “We’re here for the martyrs. We’re here for Jerusalem.”

Demonstrators threw stones, Molotov cocktails and home-made explosives at soldiers and eventually set fire to car tyres in the main entrance of the camp.

Red Crescent paramedics were present at the scene although no Palestinian casualties were reported.

Some protesters told reporters that a soldier had been injured in the leg by a home-made bomb and had to be rescued by military stretcher.

The crowd was dispersed when Israeli forces drove a military vehicle into the camp and shot multiple tear gas canisters.

Residents continued to hear explosions of homemade bombs and shots being fired into the night.

Aida camp is situated directly opposite an Israeli military base and Rachel’s Tomb, both of which are surrounded by the Separation Wall, which also borders the west side of the camp.

It was established following the 1948 crisis and is now home to around 6,000 Palestinian refugees.

Tensions in the West bank remain high after Saturday’s events in Jerusalem in which two Palestinians and two Israelis were killed.

Over 100 Palestinians have been reported injured in the West Bank today.

Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian homes in Nablus and the surrounding villages on Thursday night after two settlers were shot and killed on Thursday evening.

Images by MEMO