Twenty-one Palestinians were wounded and 150 olive trees cut down in clashes between protesters, soldiers, and police as construction on the security fence continued near the village of Bidu Tuesday, according to activists and residents of the village.
Jerusalem police spokesman Shmuel Ben-Ruby said there were about 150 protesters, who threw rocks at those working on the fence. Security forces responded with stun grenades and tear gas.
Demonstrators said the police sent tear gas into the crowd, as protesters from the village tried to block the path of the bulldozers. Among them were a number of international and Israeli activists.
The demonstration was less violent than Wednesday's, in which about 30 Palestinians were wounded and 180 olive trees were cut down, according to protesters.
"Soldier began to teargas the crowd as they tried to make their way to the olive groves," said Neil, an international activist. "All throughout the day, there were continual clashes. People were throwing stones and others who weren't throwing stones were dealt with as violently as people who were throwing stones," he added.
"One boy was shot with rubber bullets in the face," said Neil.
Ben-Ruby said that no rubber bullets were used.
A villager named Muhammad said that one of the wounded is Spanish, and works for the media.
A villager named Mansour added, "we will not give up hope. If they build the wall, we will work to destroy it. We will never accept the wall."
Villagers expect work on the fence and protests against it to continue Friday as well.
