[Falami, Qalqilya] Tear gas and sound grenades have just been thrown at Palestinian villagers and international civilians engaged in a wedding celebration out in the olive groves of Falami.

Traditional dress, singing and dancing was part of the villagers plan to change the mood on the ground and assert their presence on land that is being destroyed by the Israeli military. This nonviolent act of protest is being attacked by Israeli soldiers who have already used tear gas, sound grenades, and now have their weapons aimed at the unarmed civilians. The group of Palestinian villagers and internationals are refusing to be dispersed.

Yesterday the French Consul General visited Falami and attempted to negotiate with the Israeli authorities over the destruction and isolation of this agricultural land, which is the source of livelihood for thousands of Palestinian farmers in this region. The French government, which is invested in an agricultural irrigation project on this land, failed to persuade the Israeli authorities to halt its destruction. The Israeli military accompanied bulldozers to the olive groves this morning to find the wedding celebration in full swing.

Video footage and digital pictures available.

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