BETHLEHEM, January 12, 2018 (WAFA) – Israeli forces Friday afternoon violently suppressed a rally protesting the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, detaining a senior Fatah official in Bethlehem city.

Palestinians rallied from Jerusalem-Hebron Road to the northern entrance of Bethlehem city, chanting slogans condemning US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Israeli forces opened fire and cracked down on the protesters, detaining two and causing several others to suffocate due to tear gas inhalation.

The detainee was identified as member of Fatah Revolutionary Council Hassan Faraj and Secretary-General of Fatah in Bethlehem-district village of al-Jab‘a Wisam Hamdan.

The northern entrance to Bethlehem is one of the most active scenes of weekly Friday non-violent marches against the Israeli policies of land grab, settlement expansion and wall construction as residents have often been met with tear gas, rubber-coated steel bullets and concussion bombs from Israeli forces. 

K.F./M.H.