Israeli Police Use Tasers, Pepper Spray on Protesters Defending West Bank Bedouin Village

Israeli police on October 17 used tasers and pepper spray on demonstrators and activists protesting the demolition of the Palestinian Khan al-Ahmar village in the West Bank, home to Bedouin families living in tents and huts.

Local media reported injuries and the arrest of one activist on the day. The Palestinian National Liberation Movement reported the activist arrested was 18-year-old Raneen Emeira. Israeli activists also were reported to have participated in the protest on the side of the villagers.

About 45 Bedouin families live in the Khan al-Ahmar area, Palestinian media reported. Residents did not comply with an October 1 deadline to evacuate and demolish their homes, according to Haaretz.

Fatou Bensouda, an International Criminal Court prosecutor, issued a statement on October 17 warning that the demolition of the Bedouin village could constitute a war crime.

Bulldozers first entered the village on October 14, according to local media. Four protesters were reportedly arrested on October 15, according to the Palestinian National Liberation Movement and the Times of Israel. Credit: Mosab Shawer via Storyful