Clashes erupt as Palestinians rally to support hunger-striker


Clashes broke out across the occupied West Bank on Tuesday night as Palestinians demonstrated in support of hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner Muhammad al-Qiq.

Clashes were reported near the illegal Israeli settlement of Beit El in al-Bireh, northeast of Ramallah, as well as in southern Bethlehem.

Palestinian protesters marched from a sit-in at al-Manara Circle in central Ramallah toward Beit El, where Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated steel bullets. The youths reportedly threw stones, Molotov cocktails, and empty bottles at the soldiers.

Meanwhile, clashes were also reported at the al-Nashash crossroads in southern Bethlehem following a sit-in held in support of the hunger-striker.

Clashes also broke out in the nearby town of al-Khader in southern Bethlehem.

Earlier Tuesday, Israel's Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking to have al-Qiq transferred to a hospital in the occupied West Bank.

The 33-year-old journalist went on hunger strike in late November to protest his administrative detention -- internment without trial or charge.

Palestinians have increasingly rallied to support the hunger-striker, now 85 days into his protest and in critical condition. more

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