Jerusalem tension extends to West Bank and Gaza, Israel stands ready
RAMALLAH, Israel (North Press) – On Saturday, clashes broke out in several areas in the West Bank between Palestinian youths and Israeli forces, in support of Jerusalem, which witnessed violent clashes two days ago.
Clashes at the northern entrance to the city of al-Bireh, Qalandia checkpoint, north of Jerusalem, and at al-Aroub camp, north of Hebron, in addition to other clashes in various areas, broke out.
In addition, three rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards the adjacent Israeli towns.
Dozens of Palestinians demonstrated in the courtyards of al-Aqsa Mosque, in conjunction with the Tarawih prayers on Friday, denouncing what they described as the “attacks” by extremist Jewish groups and the Israeli forces on Jerusalem.
The demonstrators chanted slogans condemning the Israeli practices, demanding protection for the Palestinian people after the arrest and injury of hundreds during confrontations with the Israeli police and members of extremist Jewish groups in the last two weeks in Jerusalem.
In a related context, violent confrontations broke out with the Israeli army in al-Hara al-Wusta neighborhood in the town of Silwan, south of Jerusalem.
For its part, the US Embassy in Jerusalem issued a statement saying: “Recent incidents of violence include vandalism, rock throwing, broken glass, burning of vehicles, and attacks on passersby.”
It hoped that all the concerned authorities would promote an end to the incidents, the return to calm and respect for the safety and dignity of all in Jerusalem.
In a statement, the European Union also expressed its deep concern about the violent clashes that took place in Jerusalem, calling on all sides to reject incitement, violence and restraint.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army is getting ready to face the explosion in the Palestinian street if the President of the State of Palestinian, Mahmoud Abbas cancels the legislative elections under the pretext of preventing them from being held in East Jerusalem.