RAMALLAH, February 9, 2007 (WAFA) - Around 100 Bil'in villagers together with 30 international and Israeli supporters today welcomed the announcement of the Palestinian unity government and condemned the excavation work being done by the Occupation near the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem damaging the foundations of the Muslim holy site.

International Solidarity Movement (ISM) said "at today's weekly protest against the Apartheid Wall in Bil'in a soldier dropped a sound bomb on a peaceful protester who was part of group holding a sit-in near the gate to the Wall."

"The bomb exploded on the foot of Bil'in villager Husam Khatib. Husam received medical treatment on the spot and was able to hobble away afterwards. Two other protesters received injuries from beatings as the IOF violently dispersed those sitting down."

On the way to the Wall, says ISM, the marchers passed an Israeli border police unit standing provocatively on the road inside the village. "As usual, soon after reaching the gate the IOF dispersed the protesters with tear gas and sound bombs."

It added that those who resisted this violence by staying were targeted with further sound bombs and beatings. The IOF remained in the village for several hours after the end of the demonstration, using the village youth as target practice.

A.D (22:25P) (20:25GMT)