Hundreds of Palestinians protested on Shabbos, angered over the US declaration recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Jerusalem. The widespread violence was a continuation of the “Days of Rage” declared by the PA (Palestinian Authority) and Hamas in Gaza. The US declaration was the latest excuse given by the Arabs to engage in violence and challenge Israel’s authority in the region.

Protests took place on Shabbos in areas of the eastern capital, including Salah a-Din Street, where four policemen were injured. protests were also held in the Triangle, the Israeli Arab area of northern Israel. One flash point in the Triangle was Nachal I’ron, more commonly known as Wadi Ara, where protesters blocked Route 65, a major north/south vehicular route for about an hour.

Earlier today, during violent riots in Ramallah's main square, Palestinians threw stones at security forces. The rioters shielded themselves with an ambulance, knowing that security forces wouldn't employ dispersal tactics against it pic.twitter.com/mmqRDYWxT0

— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) December 9, 2017

On the Gaza border, Gazan protesters burned tires and targeted soldiers in rock attacks. Some 450 Gazans participated in the violence in eight different loculations along the border.

According to a Walla News report, some 600 Palestinians protested at 20 different venues throughout Yehuda and Shomron, challenging security forces at those areas. The violence began during the early afternoon hours on Shabbos, and continued for hours. Route 65 in the Nachal I’ron area was shut for about an hour, until security forces could clear away protesters.

Protesters burned tires and hurled rocks and bottles at security forces. Some of the other flash points included Kever Rochel and Tulkarem. Soldiers responded with riot-control means.

In predominately Arab areas of the eastern capital, 13 protesters were arrested for their law-breaking violence. The Red Crescent Society reports treating 80 Arabs injured in the violence.

The IDF Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Major-General Yoav Mordechai turned to Gaza residents explaining irresponsible elements are dragging them into a conflict which may lead to an escalation of violence from Gaza, and while the IDF is exercising restraint, this will not continue forever.

Shabbos marked a second consecutive day of violence between Arabs and Israeli authorities, with the Red Crescent reporting that over 200 Palestinians were wounded by live gunfire, teargas and rubber-coated bullets. The Gazan Health Ministry reports 14 people were shot to death from live IDF fire.

According to the IDF, an estimated 3,000 Palestinians protested at 30 different locales throughout Yehuda and Shomron. Soldiers and Border Police were attacked with rocks and bottles. Dozens of persons were arrested.

A rocket fired from Gaza landed in Sderot on Friday. B’chasdei Hashem, there were no fatalities and no physical injuries.

United Hatzalah EMS volunteers treated numerous people for hysteria following the explosion. Those treated included both young and elderly people. A few were taken to Barzilai hospital for further treatment. Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon reports on motzei Shabbos that a 52-year-old woman who was treated in the emergency room for hysteria following the attack remains there, in stable condition.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)