Anees Suheil Barghouti
13 December 2017•Update: 13 December 2017
JERUSALEM
Four Palestinian residents of Jerusalem were injured Wednesday when Israeli police dispersed a protest in the city’s Bab Al-Amoud area against last week’s decision by the U.S. to recognize the city as Israel’s capital, according to a local Palestinian NGO.
In a statement, the Palestinian Red Crescent (PRC) said its personnel had treated three Palestinians who had suffered injuries during the melee.
“Another Palestinian received treatment after Israeli police sprayed pepper gas in his face,” the PRC added.
On Wednesday, over 140 Palestinians were injured during the clashes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including seven by live ammunition and 25 others with rubber bullets, according to the PRC.
In the Gaza Strip, meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry said another 13 Palestinians had been injured by live ammunition and rubber bullets.
Tension has mounted across the West Bank and Gaza Strip since U.S. President Donald Trump announced his decision last week to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
In recent days, thousands of Palestinians have staged rallies across the West Bank, sparking clashes with Israeli forces. At least two protesters have already been martyred while hundreds more have been injured.
Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem – occupied by Israel in 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.
