By Our Diplomatic
Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday condemned the Saturday morning clashes between Palestinians and Israel security forces in Jerusalem that left at least 78 Arabs hurt.
The immediate spark for the unrest was Israel’s decision to barricade a plaza outside of Jerusalem’s Old City neighborhood during Ramadan. Palestinians traditionally gather at the spot each evening after prayers and a day-long fast. Angry that their popular gathering spot was taken away, hundreds of young Palestinian men have taken to the streets each evening, hurling stones, firebombs, and other objects at police, while officers employ stun grenades and water cannons to disperse them.
“Pakistan views the recent alarming developments in the occupied Palestinian territories with serious concern,” the Foreign Office said in a statement. The illegal measures of Israeli troops, the statement observed, “have seen an upsurge since the onset of the holy month of Ramadan”.
The unrest resumed on Friday night when Palestinian youths gathered outside the Old City and scuffled with hundreds of Israeli police in riot gear. They threw stones towards police firing water cannons. Others hurled rocks at an Israeli court building and smashed security cameras. The Palestine Red Crescent said eight Palestinians were injured.
Israeli police said the unrest later extended to a nearby Palestinian neighbourhood with Palestinians hurling fire-bombs at officers and throwing stones at Israeli vehicles and homes.
