World, Middle East

4 Palestinians martyred, scores hurt in Friday clashes

For second Friday in row, Palestinian territories are rocked by deadly clashes and protests against 'Trump Declaration'

Mahmoud Barakat  | 15.12.2017 - Update : 16.12.2017
4 Palestinians martyred, scores hurt in Friday clashes Palestinians carry a wounded protester during a demonstration against U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, at Israeli border in Jabalia refugee camp of Gaza City, Gaza on December 15, 2017. ( Mustafa Hassona - Anadolu Agency )

By Mohamed Majed

GAZA CITY, Palestine

Four Palestinians were martyred and scores more injured in clashes that erupted Friday in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Mohammed Amin Akel, 22, succumbed to injuries after having been shot multiple times by Israeli forces -- after allegedly stabbing an Israeli soldier -- during clashes in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

The ministry added that a second Palestinian man, Basel Ibrahim, had been martyred during clashes near occupied East Jerusalem.

"Ibrahim was killed after being shot in the chest by Israeli soldiers during clashes in Anata village north of East Jerusalem," read the ministry statement.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), meanwhile, said over 260 Palestinians had been injured in separate clashes that erupted Friday in the West Bank cities of Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron (Al-Khalil), Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqiliya, Tulkarm and Jenin. 

"At least 340 Palestinians were injured, including 24 from live ammunition, 75 from rubber bullets and 227 from teargas inhalation," the PRCS said in a statement.

"Fourteen others were beaten by Israeli troops during the clashes," it added. 

Gaza 

In the Gaza Strip, meanwhile, two Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli army troops, the Health Ministry said.

"Yasser Sokkar, 23, and Ibrahim Abu Thouraia, 29, were both killed in clashes with the army near the border with Israel in eastern Gaza," read a Ministry statement.

"At least 164 other Palestinians were injured in the Gaza Strip on Friday, including 80 who were wounded by live ammunition," it added.

At least seven Palestinians have been martyred in clashes -- and hundreds more injured -- since U.S. President Donald Trump announced his decision last Wednesday to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. 

The dramatic shift in U.S. policy has drawn a storm of condemnation and protest across the Arab and Muslim world. 

At a Tuesday summit convened in Istanbul, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation responded to the U.S. move by recognizing East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. 

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967-- might eventually serve as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.


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