The number of people injured yesterday during the clashes that took place mostly on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem rose to at least 205 Palestinians and 17 Israeli policemen. This is one of the most serious violent confrontations in recent years in occupied East Jerusalem, the scene of a renewed tension that also worries Washington and the European Union.
Tens of thousands of faithful gathered in the Spin of Mosques – called the Temple Mount by the Jews – for the last great Friday prayer before the end of the month of Ramadan. It was at this point that clashes broke out between the Palestinians, who also used firearms, and the Israeli police, who threw stun grenades and shot protesters with rubber bullets.
At least a dozen demonstrators injured in the face. “Hundreds of rioters threw stones, bottles and other objects at the agents who reacted,” said the Israeli police, whose spokesman, Wassem Badr, spoke of “violent unrest”. Clashes also occurred in the nearby Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, where daily night demonstrations against the possible eviction of Palestinian families in favor of Israeli settlers have resulted in clashes with the police in recent days.
The Red Crescent reported that at least four Palestinians were seriously injured. At the moment, a fragile calm seems to have returned to East Jerusalem. The United States said it was “extremely concerned” by the clashes in Jerusalem and urged the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to “act decisively to lower tensions and stop the violence” . For Washington it is “crucial” to avoid any steps that could worsen the situation, such as “evictions in East Jerusalem, activities in the settlements, house demolitions and acts of terrorism”.
An appeal to reduce tension also comes from Brussels, with a note from the spokesman of Josep Borrell, High Representative for EU foreign policy: “In recent days, tensions and violence in the occupied West Bank, especially in East Jerusalem, have risen dangerously . Last night there were serious clashes on the Temple Mount which caused many injuries. Violence and incitement to violence are unacceptable and perpetrators on all sides must be held accountable. ” The European Union “calls on the authorities to act urgently to ease the current tensions in Jerusalem”.
.