Hebron colonists attack Palestinians after eviction
By Agence France Presse, The Daily Star, 5 December 2008
HEBRON, Occupied West Bank: Mobs of colonists rampaged through the Occupied West Bank on Thursday after Israeli police enforced an eviction order of settlers squatting illegally in a Palestinian house. Rabid colonists set fire to Palestinian homes and fields, fired weapons, hurled rocks, clashed with security forces and carried out other forms of vandalism to Palestinian property following the eviction carried out by about 100 officers.
Relatives said three Palestinians suffered gunshot wounds and were evacuated by helicopter, while police said five civilians and two policemen were wounded during the eviction itself. Medics said there were further injuries during ensuing clashes.
A cloud of black smoke covered much of the neighborhood as militant supporters of the colonists set Palestinian olive fields alight and torched two homes and a dozen cars.
In several areas of the city, youths clashed with Israeli security forces, who responded with tear gas.
Witnesses said Israeli soldiers beat up a Palestinian photographer who was involved in an altercation with a settler. The photographer was taken to hospital.
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Hebron evictions: Jewish settlers shoot Palestinians (video)