Palestinians mark 68th anniversary of Deir Yassin massacre

Dozens of Palestinians protesting in commemoration of the Deir Yassin massacre of 1948 were met with Israeli fire, leaving at least one injured and many others from suffering gas inhalation.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

09 April, 2016

Palestinians for years have been protesting against Israeli settlements [Getty]

Dozens of Palestinians who took to the streets to mark the 68th anniversary of the Deir Yassin massacre in the village of Bilin faced Israeli fire on Saturday.

Protesters carrying Palestinian flags and calling for an end to Israeli settlements were met with rubber-coated bullets and tear gas, which were fired at them by Israeli forces, the Palestine News Network reported.

At least one Palestinian was injured and many others suffered tear gas inhalation.

Meanwhile in Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinians took part in events to commemorate the anniversary of Deir Yassin massacre.

"We reaffirm our commitment to our heritage, our continued survival on our land, and our opposition to the [Israeli] settlements and occupation," Governor of Jericho city, Majid al-Fityani said in a speech.

"On this day, 68 year ago, Zionist gangs committed the Deir Yassin massacre near Jerusalem," Fityani said.

"On this anniversary, we reaffirm our right to our land, to exercise our right to live and resist until we achieve national independence," Fityani added.

On this anniversary, we reaffirm our right to our land, to exercise our right to live and resist until we achieve national independence
- Majid al-Fityani, Governor of Jericho

On April 9 1948, a Jewish gang of around 120 members attacked the Palestinian village of Deir Yassin, killing over 100 Palestinians and forcing many more to flee.

The exact number of Palestinians killed remains unknown until today, but the Palestine News Network reported 254 killed.

Many Palestinians were shot dead but others were killed when grenades were thrown into their homes.

Jewish settlements were subsequently built on the ruins of the Palestinian village.