A demonstrator covering his face. Picture credit: Hamde Abu Rahmah

The Friday demonstration in the village of Bil'in, a weekly event soon entering its sixth year, was preceded today by a gathering at the center of the village to mark six years to the passing of Abu Ammar (Yasser Arafat). Residents were joined by many who came from outside the village - Palestinians, Israelis and international supporters alike.

Video by Haitham Khatib

Among those who gave speeches at the gathering were Qayes Abu Laila, a founding member of the DFLP and a member of the PLO's Executive Committee, and Sultan Abu elEnain of the Fatah movement.

The gathering was followed by a march to the Wall, which was attacked by soldiers, who took positions on the road leading from the Wall to the village long before the demonstrators reached anywhere near the Wall or the  soldiers.

The soldiers then continued to chase after some of the local youth who confronted them well into the village itself, entering private property without having a warrant.

The latest nighttime raid on Ashraf Khatib's house Video by Haitham Khatib

At night, the army did not fail to stage yet another raid on the village, looking for local activist Ashraf Khatib, in what has recently turned into a nightly routine for his family. During the raid the soldiers forced their way into the homes of Khatib and his brother, not bothering with a warrant, and tried to prevent Khatib's brother from filming.