The Stream

Shuhada Street protest ends in clashes with Israeli army

Soldiers use tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets to disperse protesters demanding the reopening of Hebron street to Palestinians.

Palestinian protesters confront an Israeli soldier during clashes at a demonstration against the closure of Shuhada Street to Palestinians, in the West Bank city of Hebron on February 21, 2014. (AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)

Multiple protesters were reportedly wounded by rubber-coated steel bullets in Hebron on Friday, as hundreds gathered in the occupied West Bank city to mark a massacre anniversary and demand the reopening of Shuhada Street. The street has been closed to Palestinians since 1994.  

Protesters marched from the Ali Mosque to an Israeli checkpoint, where they were told to disperse. When they refused, the Israeli army responded with tear gas and stun grenades. Some protesters reportedly threw rocks, and three were arrested.

An Israeli spokeswoman reportedly said that the army “used riot dispersal means” after “150 Palestinians violently crowded” the area. Activists said 13 were injured by rubber-coated steel bullets. AFP, citing medical sources, said the number was 12, while the Associated Press, also citing medical sources, put the number at two.