BICOM

Major disturbances between Palestinians and Israeli security forces took place last night in the West Bank, with at least one Palestinian reported dead and injuries on both sides.

The focus of the clashes centred on the Ramallah and Jerusalem areas, especially at the Kalandiya checkpoint which is situated between the two cities. A reported 10,000 Palestinian congregated at Kalandiya, many throwing rocks and firebombs at IDF and Border Police personnel. The IDF said that it responded with crowd dispersal means including tear gas and rubber bullets. However, Palestinian reports said that at least one Palestinian had been killed. Ynet quotes a senior IDF official who said that demonstrators “opened fire at our forces with Kalashnikov rifles from inside the protest.” Apparently, at least 100 Palestinians were injured in the clashes, plus 13 Israeli police officers.

Violence also erupted in Jerusalem, especially in the neighbourhoods of Ras al-Amoud, Silwan and the Old City. There were also disturbances in other West Bank locations including Tulkarm, el-Khader in the Gush Etzion region and near Rachel’s Tomb, close to Bethlehem.

Last night marked Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power, one of the most important dates during Ramadan. The date also coincided with Israel’s continuing military operation in the Gaza Strip, which has raised tensions among Palestinians in the West Bank too. There have also been sporadic riots in Jerusalem and beyond since the murder last month of a Palestinian boy, in an apparent revenge attack by Jewish Israeli extremists for the recent murder of three Israeli teenagers.

Further disturbances are expected today, especially given that it is the last Friday of Ramadan, which is marked by some Muslims as Al-Quds Day, a show of solidarity with the Palestinians. In anticipation of possible violence, 3-4,000 policemen will be deployed in Jerusalem. Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld commented, “We have received information that there will be disturbances, so we are leaving nothing to chance to ensure the safety of residents.”