The May 15 protest at Qalandia checkpoint was something new (see our earlier post) — and something we may be seeing a lot more of in the coming months.
Look at these pictures of Israeli soldiers shooting tear gas, and standing in clouds of it, without any protection.
Qalandia on Nakba Day 2011 – Israeli soldiers firing teargas in formation without using gas masks or any other apparent protection
photo taken on 15 May by Tamar Fleishman of Machsom Watch:
Protesters who were on the receiving end say they’ve never experienced anything like it. One told me he felt it as if he were paralyzed. He could not move, and had to be carried to a mobile clinic in an ambulance, where he was administered oxygen.
But, look at these Israeli soldiers. Are they superhuman? Simply used to it? Or, were they given some sort of antidote.
Photos below by Iyas Abu Rahmeh – Nakba Day demonstration at Qalandia on May 15 – from Flikr via Sawt al-Manara
Soldier (no mask or protection) shooting tear gas at Qalandia at Nakba Day Protest:
One soldier shooting teargas as a group of soldiers charge at the demonstrators:
Soldiers facing demonstators:
Soldiers looking pleased with themselves, standing amidst empty tear gas cannisters:
One tear gas cannister smoking:
Many tear gas cannisters:
Tires burning down the middle of the street:
