Flare-ups around Jerusalem ahead of Biden visit
Following a attack by hundreds of Palestinian youths hurling rocks at the Western Wall Plaza below, violence spread to other parts of the capital.
The rioting began immediately after Friday’s sermon and prayers at Al-Aksa Mosque, spilling into the Muslim Quarter as well.
In the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Ras el-Amud, some 20 Arab youths were dispersed after throwing stones at security forces, The Jerusalem Post reported. Skirmishes also broke out at the entrance to Isawiya, near French Hill.
From across the valley, smoke could be seen rising up from Ras el-Amud as young men throwing rocks at police ignited trash bins.
In Hebron a group of 100 Palestinians protested outside the Cave of the Patriarchs.
The clashes follow Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s announcement that the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron and Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem would be included on Israel’s list of National Heritage sites.
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said Friday’s events could damage the chances of resuming the peace process.
“Israel continues to place obstacles before [US Middle East envoy George] Mitchell’s efforts” to revive long-stalled peace negotiations, Abbas told Palestine Television on Friday.
The east Jerusalem clash comes as Israel and the Palestinians may announce the start of “proximity talks” early next week.
George Mitchell arrived in Tel Aviv Saturday night and will be reinforced by the arrival of the US Vice President Joe Biden Monday, who will be visiting Israel and the West Bank for the first time as vice president.
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