Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces clash in several areas before expected ground offensive
Violence between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces has erupted in several areas of occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as
Jerusalem, often a flashpoint for violence on Fridays, the Muslim holy day, had expected an influx of worshippers for this week’s most important prayer session at the flashpoint al-Aqsa mosque compound after six days of punishing airstrikes on Gaza, a tiny Palestinian enclave home to 2.3 million people.
Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli border police were also reported inside the Old City’s Muslim quarter, and in Issawiya and Wadi Joz, Palestinian neighbourhoods to the north of the dense 1 sq km maze of narrow streets and alleyways. “This evacuation is for your own safety,” the Israeli military said, in a warning it said was sent to civilians, although some said they received no notification. An IDF spokesperson admitted in a briefing on Friday morning that it would take time for Palestinians to follow its orders to evacuate, but did not confirm a UN report that it had set a 24-hour deadline.
“I come here to pray every single day, and many people didn’t come today. They didn’t come and it’s a problem,” said Rabbi Eliazer. “I came here today at 6am, down Jaffa Street and Mamilla neighbourhood. There was no one.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Violence hits occupied East Jerusalem as Israel orders Gaza evacuationPalestinian protesters and Israeli security forces clash in West Bank before expected ground offensive
Read more »
Asio warns against inflamed language over Middle East amid concern of ‘opportunistic violence’Mike Burgess issues rare public statement asking ‘all parties consider the implications for social cohesion’
Read more »
Palestinians flee northern Gaza before expected Israeli ground invasionThousands pack into cars and trucks or leave on foot after Israel told them to go, as violence flares in East Jerusalem and West Bank
Read more »
‘Uncharted and unprecedented’: What does all-out war in the Middle East look like?Tension across the Middle East is spreading as the Arab-Israeli conflict enters what one expert calls “extremely dangerous waters”.
Read more »
‘Uncharted and unprecedented’: What does all-out war in the Middle East look like?Tension across the Middle East is spreading as the Arab-Israeli conflict enters what one expert calls “extremely dangerous waters”.
Read more »