Palestinians protecting on Friday Jabal al-Arma from takeover by Israeli settlers. (WAFA Images / File photo by Ayman Noubani)

NABLUS, Monday, March 02, 2020 (WAFA) – Several Palestinians were today injured, some from live bullets, when Israeli soldiers opened fire at them as they defended a mountain in their Beita town, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, against settler colonial expansion.

Town residents rushed to protect Jabal al-Arma mountain, on the outskirts of Beita, when settlers attempted to seize it. Israeli soldiers providing protection to the settlers opened live fire and shot rubber bullets and teargas canisters at the Palestinians injuring two by live bullets in addition to others form rubber bullets and teargas inhalation, according to medical sources.

The Red Crescent said two people were injured from live bullets, 10 from rubber bullets, including one where the bullet penetrated his skin and cause fractures and a reporter identified as Mohammad Sayeh, and 50 cases of suffocation.

Ghassan Daghlas, who monitors settlement construction in the northern West Bank, said that the town residents rushed to protect their mountain from settlers’ takeover when they were attacked by the army, which left the area several hours later.

On Friday, more than 190 Palestinians were injured when Israeli soldiers opened fire at them as they barricaded themselves in the mountain to prevent its takeover by the settlers who want to establish a new colonial outpost.

Jabal al-Arma boasts an ancient Roman-era castle hewn in rock and fresh water springs, making it an attraction for local tourism. However, such features make it a prime target for Israeli settlers as colonial settlements are often positioned above water reserves, effectively stealing water as well as land.

K.F./M.K.