Israel uses skunk bomb against WB demo

The Israel occupation Forces (IOF) have stepped up efforts to quell anti-security barrier demonstrations in the West Bank over the weekend, using the "skunk bomb", local daily The JPost reported on Sunday.

The skunk bomb, a foul-smelling liquid last used in January, was sprayed on the demonstrators, mainly Palestinians who were protesting against the construction of the separation barrier nearby, said the report.

"The smell is so strong that people flee immediately," said an IOF source, adding that the demonstration on Friday was dispersed within minutes of firing the bomb into the crowd.

According to the report, the IOF and Border Police forces used the spray against nearly 100 Palestinian, Israeli and foreign demonstrators near the village of Bil'in on Friday.

Some 300 people participated in another demonstration at Na' alin on Friday, causing damage to the barrier.