On Friday September 17, dozens of demonstrators were tear gassed by the IOF as they attempted to shut down the weekly protest in Al-Maâsara. The protest, which started in front of the al-Zawahara school, marked on the 28th anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacre. It was also being held with deputy Khaleda Jarrar who was prevented from travelling by the IOF.
The demonstrators headed to the entrance of the village singing national songs, chanting slogans and carrying Palestinian flags. Seven IOF military vehicles were waiting for the demonstrators. Soldier shot gas canisters and sound bombs at protestors, who suffered inhalation injuries.
The coordinator of the popular campaign in Bethlehem governorate Mazen Al-Azza reaffirmed the importance of the popular resistance and the necessity to extend it to all Palestinian cities and villages. He also stressed the importance of the popular resistance in influencing international public opinion. The coordinator of the popular campaign in Al-Maâsara, Muhammad Brijeh delivered a speech commemorating Sabra and Shatila massacre in 1982, when nearly 3000 Palestinian victims killed in cold blood. There has never been any investigation into this massacre and the murderers have never been held accountable. He spoke about the importance of Palestinian memory, saying the they cannot forget this massacre. Deputy Jarrar echoed this sentiment, saying that it is disgraceful if people forget thousands of martyrs and victims who died without sin. The demonstrators called on human rights and international organizations to condemn the crimes of the occupation and the violations against the Palestinians and their legitimate representatives.