Friday January 15, 2010 16:04 by Nathan Stokes - IMEMC News & Agencies

After last night’s Israeli occupation forces' (IOF) incursion into the village of al-Ma’sara, central West Bank, the weekly, non-violent protest continued as usual.

The protests in al-Ma’sara have occurred every Friday for years. After assembling the villagers and internationals, who march in solidarity with the Palestinians against the construction of the wall, the confiscation of land, and the continued military occupation of the West Bank, the group peacefully marched their usual route, only to be confronted by a barricade.

The soldiers pushed back the group with their batons and rifle butts, and after a short stand off the group dispersed.

Local sources reported that there has been an escalation since the New Year, when the Israeli military informed the local organizers that their non-violent protests would no longer be tolerated.

A source at the event reported that this week soldiers were placed upon the rooftops along the route of the march, and side streets, and that a large transportation vehicle was part of the Israeli contingent. This has not been the case before.

Last night, the Israeli occupation forces personnel invaded al-Ma’sara. At approximately 1 a.m. the houses of local organizers were entered by the Israeli military, and their families, including young children, were forced outside for questioning whilst the homes were searched.

Property was damaged and the organizers threatened. A member of the Israeli military told Mahmoud Zawahra that if anyone was hurt or killed in the demonstrations, then it would be his responsibility.

IOF troops wreak havoc in village, attack funeral and shell Gaza

[ 16/01/2010 - 09:29 AM ]

BETHLEHEM, (PIC)--

Israeli occupation forces on Friday stormed and wreaked havoc in the Ma'asara village, Bethlehem district, and blocked its weekly anti wall march, locals reported.

They said that the IOF soldiers broke into and violently searched civilians' homes and threatened to detain and put on trial anyone participating in the weekly march.

The IOF soldiers attacked a funeral procession in Beit Ummar village, Al-Khalil district, afternoon Friday using gas and sonic bombs, local sources said.

They added that a number of participants were hurt and treated in a local clinic while others threw stones at the assaulting soldiers.

Also in Al-Khalil district, the IOF soldiers arrested a citizen in Beit 'Awwa village after midnight Friday and battered another in Dhaheriya village, who was hospitalized as a result.

Meanwhile, IOF troops fired a number of shells at the industrial area in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza, on Friday night but no casualties were reported.

Eyewitnesses said that a number of workers collecting scrap metal were targeted in the shelling.