Riots continue in Hebron over hunger strikers

Palestinians gather in force across the region to protest treatment of prisoners in Israeli jails; one hurt by rubber bullets.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, YAAKOV LAPPIN, REUTERS
Palestinians carry protester injured by IDF (photo credit: REUTERS)
Palestinians carry protester injured by IDF
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A few hundred Palestinians rioted in Hebron in protests against the treatment of prisoners on Monday evening. Others gathered in force across the region, blocking roads and calling for freedom.
Soldiers responded with riot dispersal means, including the firing of rubber bullets, an army spokeswoman said.
One Palestinian was hit with a rubber bullet. According to Palestinian sources, the man was hurt in the leg by IDF fire.
On Monday, European Union leaders voiced concern over four Palestinians staging a hunger strike while in jail. According to reports, their health is deteriorating fast, prompting the EU representative in Jerusalem to call for better treatment of prisoners.
Widespread rioting erupted in the West Bank on Friday after Palestinians said they would confront the IDF over security prisoners on hunger strike.
Large groups threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at soldiers, who responded with various riot dispersal means.
In Beitunya, west of Ramallah, near the Ofer security prison, some 300 Palestinians rioted and threw rocks at the IDF, lightly wounding two soldiers, an army spokeswoman said.
Four Palestinians were lightly wounded by rubber bullets in the clash. An army source said reports of a Palestinian moderately wounded in the incident were being examined.
Palestinian medics said 156 Palestinians were treated for smoke inhalation, Palestinian news agency Ma’an reported.
Sixty Palestinians gathered at Kafr Kaddum, west of Nablus, and threw rocks and firebombs at soldiers.
Some 80 Palestinians appeared at Nabi Salih, near Ramallah, to take part in a violent disturbance, and 30 Palestinians attacked soldiers in the Kalandiya area, between Ramallah and Jerusalem.
Palestinians said that the IDF was using live fire, a claim denied by the IDF Spokesman’s Office.