Dozens hurt in West Bank clashes amid anti-settlement rally

Rally staged in response to march organized by Israeli settlers in Nablus

By Qais Abu Samra
RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) – Dozens of Palestinians suffered temporary asphyxiation during clashes with Israeli army forces in the West Bank city of Nablus on Tuesday, according to witnesses.

The violence erupted after local residents in the town of Burqa, north of Nablus, organized an anti-settlement rally in response to a march organized by Israeli settlers towards the settlement of Homesh, the witnesses said.

Israeli forces used live and metal bullets, and tear gas canisters to disperse Palestinians, who responded by hurling stones, they added.

Since Tuesday morning, the Israeli army has blocked the entrances to the towns of Burqa, Sebastia, Bazaria and Wasilat al-Dhahr to secure the settlers' march.

The settlement of Homesh was evacuated in 2005.

Tension has mounted across the Palestinian territories since Friday when Israeli forces raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards in occupied East Jerusalem and attacked worshippers, injuring hundreds.

Daily settler incursions into the flashpoint site to celebrate the Passover holiday have further inflamed the situation.

*Writing by Ibrahim Mukhtar in Ankara

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