The promises of non-violent Land Day events have apparently been forgotten as violence against IDF soldiers is being reported at Shar Shechem (Damascus Gate), the entrance to Beit Lechem and the Kalandia Checkpoint on the border of northern Jerusalem and el-Birah, which is under PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous control.

PA sources are reporting an unspecified number of injured as a result of IDF soldier using riot control adjuncts. Soldiers are being pelted with rocks and other objects by hundreds of rioters at that location. Protestors are also burning tires.

Similar events are taking place in the other areas as well. Thousands of police and special forces are deployed in and around Yerushalayim in the hope of preventing violence in the Old City. Restrictions have been set on Har HaBayis, prohibiting any male under 45-years-old and without an Israeli identification card from entering. There are no restrictions on women.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak late Thursday night, March 29, 2012, announced a closure on PA autonomous areas, preventing PA residents from crossing the Green Line into “Israel proper”. The closure ends at midnight Friday night.

In southern Lebanon, there are reports of 8,000 people waiting to begin the Global March on Jerusalem. An unspecified number of marchers are also waiting in Jordan. Security in northern Israel is extremely high along the borders.

In the Gaza area, IDF soldiers fired at hundreds of Gaza Arabs making their way to the Erez Crossing. There are no immediate reports of injured.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)