Jewish settlers move into East Jerusalem, causing clashes

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Jewish settlers move into East Jerusalem, causing clashes

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

A group of about 15 Jewish settlers moved into seven houses in a crowded East Jerusalem neighborhood overnight, sparking clashes Wednesday between Palestinian residents and Israeli security forces, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.

Witnesses said settlers from the Ateret Cohanim organization lugged boxes, chairs, tables and potted plants into the newly renovated structure in a densely populated area of the Silwan neighborhood on Tuesday night, the report said.

Clashes began as Palestinians who live nearby began throwing stones from rooftops. Israeli police and soldiers commandeered three buildings, stationing themselves on roof tops and firing tear gas canisters at the angry Palestinian demonstrators.

One Palestinian was beaten by a baton and dragged from the area, witnesses said. So far, six Palestinians have been arrested and three police officers have been lightly injured.

Ahmed Hamidat, a Palestinian who lives near the building the settlers took over, told Haaretz that the group arrived at 02:00 a.m. (00:00 GMT), "I was up all night. People (Palestinians) were living in the building and I don't know what happened to them. I had no idea they(the settlers) were going to come live here," Hamidat said.

In a separate incident, Israel Defence Forces troops dismantled the illegal outpost of Hazon David near the West Bank town of Hebron early on Wednesday. Settlers vowed to rebuild the site, which consisted of a tent and a shack that served as a synagogue.

Source: Xinhua

Questions?Comments? Click here

First Mideast 'Road Map' Meets Protest

Israel's killing of Yassin fuels conflict: Commentary ( 2 Messages)

How the US could improve its image abroad ( 14 Messages)

US urged not to fingerprint Chinese ( 10 Messages)

China hunts corrupt officials who abscond overseas ( 3 Messages)

Seven Chinese activists land on Diaoyu Islands ( 4 Messages)