Clashes in Jerusalem’s Old City as Palestinians rage against Trump
Palestinian women gather in Jerusalem's Old City in protest against US embassy move (AFP)
JERUSALEM – Clashes have broken out in Jerusalem's Old City between Israeli security forces and Palestinians protesting for the second Friday in a row over US President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Several protesters near the Damascus Gate entry to the Old City were knocked over and others ran away when riot police on horseback charged into the crowd.
A Palestinian boy was also shot during clashes in Ramallah, according to the Palestinian Health ministry.
Video footage also showed Israeli security forces pushing protesters back in Jerusalem's Old City.
Several others were beaten with batons and arrested by members of the security forces, MEE's correspondent said.
Crowds chanted: "Jerusalem is an Arab city," and "Free Jerusalem."
Palestinian organisations have called for "day of rage" protests after Friday prayers amid continuing anger since Trump's announcement earlier this month.
Niyaha Qawasmi, a 50-year-old Palestinian woman who joined protests in the Old City, told Middle East Eye that residents would not "accept" this decision.
"I was born in this city and like many others will not remain silent and allow the US to do what they want in a city that does not belong to them," Qawasami told MEE from outside the Damascus gate in Jerusalem's Old City.
"We will not accept this and are not afraid of Israeli brutality against us. We have been protesting for more than a week and will keep on going."
Israeli security forces scuffle with Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem's Old City (AFP)
Another man in his fifties who did not want to give his name told MEE that he believed the protests would grow.
"This is very hard to see, how the occupiers use this violence against us. This is a new and historic time, and the people will not remain silent," he said.
"Trump is stupid to play around with something like Jerusalem which is a religious as well as a political issue."
Scuffles also broke out at the Qalandia checkpoint, which Israel uses to control Palestinian access to East Jerusalem from the West Bank.
In Hebron in the occupied West Bank, Israeli security forces fired tear gas, while a few protesters among about 3,000 people threw stones, the AFP news agency reported.
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