(JNi.media) A few locations in Judea and Samaria saw clashes between hundreds of Arab protesters and IDF soldiers throughout the morning and afternoon Tuesday, Israel Radio reported. The stormiest demonstration was in Ramallah, where protesters threw petrol bombs, laid down burning tires and threw stones. Arab sources reported that two demonstrators were slightly injured by rubber bullets. More riots took place in Hebron, Tulkarm and near Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem.
Ma’an reported that seven Arabs were injured by rubber bullets on Tuesday as Israeli forces pushed back a rally outside Ramallah in support of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and of Arab security prisoners.
Demonstrators marched from the center of Ramallah to the Jewish town of Beit El. Israeli forces fired tear gas, water canons, and rubber bullets, injuring seven people. There were unconfirmed reports of the IDF using live fire. According to Ma’an, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation.
PLO Executive Committee member Wasil Abu Yousef urged the international community to stop Israeli “restrictions and violations at Al-Aqsa,” which is code for a proposal to permit Jews to pray along the perimeter of the Temple Mount compound, in an arrangement similar to the regulations at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. A general strike across the PA saw stores closing for two hours in solidarity with the “threatened” mosque.
Amin Shouman, head of a Palestinian prisoners’ committee, said popular mobilization will continue in support of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Arab security prisoners jailed in Israel.
An Israeli army spokeswoman confirmed that around 300 Arabs marched near Beit El, with Israeli forces using riot dispersal means before firing rubber bullets at the “main instigators.” She also confirmed that seven Arabs were hit.