Thirty-one suspects were arrested in eastern Jerusalem for criminal and nationalist crimes including rock-throwing at citizens and security forces, throwing fireworks at persons and operating an illegal gas station in areas of the eastern capital.

The operation began on Tuesday, with special undercover forces of Israel Police and Border Police involved, making eight arrests in Issawiya. As the operation continued, an additional 23 suspects were arrested, the equipment used in the illegal gas stations confiscated, and the buildings razed.

In addition, the police worked together with municipal officials to erase various incitement graffiti that was located at a number of locations which are liable to influence young people to carry out violent offenses and acts of terrorism.

The police said: “The operation tonight is a direct continuation and an inseparable part of the arrests made by the police forces in recent weeks in East Jerusalem in order to prevent incitement and disturbances towards enabling a safe life and daily routine for all residents of Jerusalem.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)