World

West Bank under Israeli siege

July 23, 2017
Israeli border police officers detain Palestinians during clashes in occupied Jerusalem. — AP
Israeli border police officers detain Palestinians during clashes in occupied Jerusalem. — AP

RAMALLAH, West Bank — The West Bank was under Israeli siege on Saturday as the Jewish state sent more troops further raising tensions which escalated after the installation of metal detectors at the entrance to Haram Al-Sharif compound which houses Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Stabbings and clashes that left six people dead raised fears on of further violence as tensions mount over Israel’s new security measures.

Friday's violence — a stabbing attack that killed three Israelis and clashes which left three Palestinians dead — was among the most severe in recent years.

Israeli soldiers raided a Palestinian’s nearby village of Kobar overnight and arrested his brother, an army spokeswoman said.

Preparations were also being made to demolish the alleged Palestinian attacker’s home, a measure Israel regularly employs because it views it as a deterrent, although human rights groups say it amounts to collective punishment.

Amid mounting pressure to respond to the dispute over the mosque compound, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced late Friday he was freezing contacts with Israel.

The United Nations said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “deeply deplores” the death of three Palestinians in clashes with Israeli security forces and urges Israeli and Palestinian leaders to refrain from actions that could further escalate the volatile situation in Jerusalem’s Old City.

UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Guterres also calls on all political, religious and community leaders “to help reduce tension.”

Haq said “the secretary-general reiterates that the sanctity of religious sites should be respected as places for reflection, not violence.”

He said Guterres calls for the killings of the Palestinians “to be fully investigated.”

Muslims say that Israel is trying to expand its control at the Muslim-administered site under the guise of security.

“Al Aqsa — that’s for the Muslims, not for the Jewish,” said Mohammad Haroub, a 42-year-old souvenir shop owner.

Like hundreds of others, he prayed outside on Friday instead of passing through the metal detectors.

He added that it was not only an Israeli-Palestinian issue.

“Al Aqsa is not for Palestinians. It is for all Muslims.”

Sharon Kopel, a 46-year-old Israeli tour guide leading a group in the Old City, said he felt the metal detectors were unnecessary and politically motivated. — Agencies


July 23, 2017
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