Jerusalem Decision Triggers 'Day of Rage'

At least one dead in protests over Trump's decision to recognize city as Israeli capital
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 8, 2017 10:10 AM CST
Palestinians Erupt in 'Day of Rage' Over US Move
Hamas supporters protest in Jebaliya Refugee Camp, Gaza Strip, on Friday.   (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Palestinians angry over President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital clashed with Israeli troops at 30 locations across the West Bank and Gaza on Friday, resulting in at least one death, reports the AP. One Palestinian was killed in skirmishes between protesters and Israeli troops along the Gaza border fence in what's being called a "day of rage," per Reuters. Red Crescent paramedics and Palestinian health officials reported 13 people wounded by live fire and 47 by rubber bullets in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as Palestinian stone-throwers traded volleys with soldiers. Dozens more suffered from tear gas inhalation. Protesters burned Israeli and US flags or stomped on Trump posters in displays of anger. The Israeli military said six people were arrested.

Trump's seismic policy shift on Jerusalem has angered Arabs and Muslims who view it as an expression of blatant pro-Israel bias on one of the region's most explosive religious and political disputes. Jerusalem is home to major Muslim and Christian shrines, as well as Judaism's holiest site. The Israeli-annexed eastern sector is sought by the Palestinians as a future capital, while Israel says it won't relinquish any part of Jerusalem. Palestinian political groups had called for massive demonstrations Friday. Separately, the Gaza-based leader of the Islamic militant Hamas agitated for a third uprising against Israel. Marches were also staged in Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Jordan on Friday, while al-Qaeda took the opportunity to urge followers to target vital US interests, describing America as an oppressor of Muslims. (More Israel stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X