Clashes between Israeli police forces and Palestinian protesters left more than 100 injured in Jerusalem, medical and police sources said on Friday (April 23rd). 

The Palestinian Red Crescent has reported at least 105 wounded, of which around 20 have been transferred to hospital, while the police added that they identified 20 wounded in its ranks and arrested 44 people in the clashes, the most violent events in recent years in the Holy City.

The clashes erupted during the night from Thursday to Friday when the Israeli police were mobilized at the entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem to frame a march organized by the far-right Jewish movement Lahava, a group openly hostile to the Palestinians. . 

"Death to the Arabs"

The security forces had deployed hundreds of police and cavalry near the Damascus gate and in neighboring districts, in order, according to them, to protect "freedom of expression" and the "right to demonstrate".

Some members of the Lahava group shouted "Death to the Arabs" during the march according to witnesses. 

Young Palestinians returning from Ramadan night prayers at the Mosque Plaza staged a counter-demonstration to oppose the march and incidents broke out at the entrance to the Old City and continued into the night .

Incidents had already erupted in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

Videos posted on social media and local media showed Arab employees working in downtown businesses and journalists being violently assaulted by young Jews.

In response, 70 people, Jews and Arabs, were arrested Wednesday and Thursday, and 64 of them had their custody extended, according to Israeli police.

With AFP

The summary of the week

France 24 invites you to return to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 application

google-play-badge_FR