Jerusalem Police Chief Niso Shacham described the Arab violence on Har HaBayis on erev Shabbos, 2 Rosh Chodesh Adar 5772 as very serious, when hundreds of Arabs hurled rocks and other objects at police and at mispallalim at the Kosel below. The violence followed similar but smaller scale Har HaBayis violence earlier in the week.

A total of 11 policemen sustained light injuries and at least 4 persons were arrested.

The violence began at the entrance to Har HaBayis via the Mughrabi Gate, compelling security forces to eventually use riot control adjuncts to disperse the violent protestors.

From Yerushalayim’s Old City the violence spread to the Kalandia Checkpoint on Jerusalem’s northern border, as well as in Hebron. PA (Palestinian Authority) officials explain they blame IDF soldiers for the shooting death of a 25-year-old male, who they say was shot in the chest by soldiers at Kalandia. They report six other protestors at Kalandia were also injured, sustaining light-to-moderate injuries. IDF officials reported the allegations are under investigation.

On Shabbos, during the funeral of the male in his village near Kalandia, security forces came under attack again, compelling the use of riot control adjuncts, which may include teargas and rubber coated bullets. PA (Palestinian Authority) officials report nine were injured in those disturbances.

Speaking in Qatar at the Jerusalem Conference, MK (Ta’al-Ra’am) Dr. Ahmed Tibi accused Israel of violating international law with its policy of the “Judiazation of Jerusalem”. He also blames Israeli security forces for the death of the 25-year-old PA resident.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)