OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

Reuters: Israeli Troops Shoot to Stop 'Fence' Protest

ANIN, West Bank (Reuters) - Israeli soldiers fired tear gas and rubber bullets Monday to break up a protest against Israel's construction of a security fence in the West Bank, wounding five pro-Palestinian activists, witnesses said.
An American protester was struck in the leg at close range during the clash near the West bank village of Anin and was taken to hospital, Israeli demonstrator Yonatan Pollak said.

The other four protesters were treated at the scene after being struck in the back and stomach, he said. He did not give their nationalities.

The troops opened fire after about 300 protesters gathered on both sides of the barrier and tried to tear down a gate in the fence.

Israel says it needs the fence to keep out suicide bombers.

Palestinians fear the barrier, due to cut deep into West Bank territory, is intended to unilaterally set the borders of their envisaged state.

The fence is expected to be on the agenda when Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon meets President Bush in Washington Tuesday. Bush has described the fence as a "problem."