It's after midnight again and it's been an intense day so a quick post for now.
But as even the Australian media is headlining as I write, (see here for ABC news coverage), there has been serious violence and bloodshed throughout Palestine and on it's borders today. I went with a number of international peacemakers to the Qalandiya checkpoint outside of Jerusalem which had been identified as a key protest site.
From the nearby town of Ramallah, a significant march of approximately one thousand Palestinians set out for the checkpoint and were met there with a huge and heavy force of Israeli military. Young Palestinians threw rocks and stones, and were met with a massive response.
It's hard to know if people died, but certainly many Palestinians were seriously injured by so-called rubber bullets, tear gas, and in some cases brutal arrest.
Here's a youtube clip of some arrests; video shot by Petter Lyden:
(note the masked, plainclothes security forces brandishing their pistols as they run with their captives, and the profuse bleeding of the last of those dragged away in this scene)
And some photos by Petter, Goeran S, and me of a disturbing afternoon...
But as even the Australian media is headlining as I write, (see here for ABC news coverage), there has been serious violence and bloodshed throughout Palestine and on it's borders today. I went with a number of international peacemakers to the Qalandiya checkpoint outside of Jerusalem which had been identified as a key protest site.
From the nearby town of Ramallah, a significant march of approximately one thousand Palestinians set out for the checkpoint and were met there with a huge and heavy force of Israeli military. Young Palestinians threw rocks and stones, and were met with a massive response.
It's hard to know if people died, but certainly many Palestinians were seriously injured by so-called rubber bullets, tear gas, and in some cases brutal arrest.
Here's a youtube clip of some arrests; video shot by Petter Lyden:
(note the masked, plainclothes security forces brandishing their pistols as they run with their captives, and the profuse bleeding of the last of those dragged away in this scene)
And some photos by Petter, Goeran S, and me of a disturbing afternoon...
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| High velocity tear gas being fired (Petter Lyden) |
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| More tear gas...aimed as projectiles straight at people (Petter Lyden) |
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| Acrid smoke was everywhere; tear gas from one side and burning tyres from the other (Goeran S.) |
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| My first taste of tear gas . . . the second was actually worse but at least I could just walk away . . . |
A sad day, not just the commemoration 63 years of occupation, but because of the deep anger, resentment and pain on one side and the willingness to use disproportionate violence on the other.
Full on Khristo, hard to know what to say, which probably explains this being the first post. It is very confronting seeing these images even when protected by an ABC intro, seeing them and knowing how close someone you know and love was to the unfolding chaos has a stronger effect. You are extraordinary, I know you will think not and that there are others etc. but you are, and my thoughts are with you,
ReplyDeleteJess xx
Dear jess my inspirational friend, thanks heaps.
ReplyDeleteBeing here for 6-8 weeks doesn't feel like doing something exceptional, just part of my journey to finding my place in this world of chaos and occasional beauty. if i end up doing this sort of peace work for 6 or 8 years i might feel differently. (like i do about my friends the sparrows; most of the last decade slogging it out in afghanistan - see phil's blog to the right).
On the other hand, despite our fragile messy human-ness, we are all capable of the occasionally exceptional . . . xx
Khristo,
ReplyDeleteI know this is crap, but I've only just been able to look at the blog. This is really hardcore and well..I can't believe you are seeing this all firsthand..Don't know how you are now but..actually I don't even know what to say so I'll stop
x
Thumbs Up Khristo. You're a great guy. Thank you for being there and for trying to make a difference in this confusing, chaotic, unstable world.
ReplyDeleteTake care and be safe.
elham