Israel Braces for New Clashes as Protest Toll Climbs to 23

Israel prepared for more confrontations with protesters today as the death toll from the latest clashes climbed to at least 23, reports CNN. More than 350 people were injured in confrontations yesterday as security forces opened fire on Palestinians and supporters as they attempted to surge from Syria into Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Israel charges the clashes were stoked by Syrian officials intent on turning attention away from their own internal uprisings that have left more than 1,000 dead. "There is no question about it," said a spokeswomen for the Israeli military. "The policemen, the armed Syrian forces are looking back and not doing anything." Demonstrators were camped out at the border today as Israeli troops were fixing coils of barbed wire to keep protesters away, reports AP.

The UN secretary general condemned the violence. The secretary general "calls for maximum restraint on all sides and strict observance of international humanitarian law to ensure protection of civilians," said a spokesman for Ban Ki-moon. There were also clashes reported between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians in the West Bank, leaving six injured. (More Israel and Palestinians stories.)