US voices concern over escalation of violence in occupied Jerusalem
Washington (QNN)- The US State Department spokesman Ned Price expressed concerns over the escalation of violence in the occupied city of Jerusalem, urging authorities to ensure the safety, security, and rights of all in Jerusalem.
“We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Jerusalem. The rhetoric of extremist protestors chanting hateful and violent slogans must be firmly rejected,” Price wrote in a tweet.
He added, “We call for calm and unity, and urge authorities to ensure the safety, security, and rights of all in Jerusalem.”
We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Jerusalem. The rhetoric of extremist protestors chanting hateful and violent slogans must be firmly rejected. We call for calm and unity, and urge authorities to ensure the safety, security, and rights of all in Jerusalem.
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) April 23, 2021
The US embassy in Jerusalem also voiced concerns over the incidents in occupied Jerusalem.
“We are deeply concerned about the incidents of violence in Jerusalem over the last several days,” the interim Charge d’Affaires Jonathan Shrier said in a statement.
He continued, “We hope all responsible voices will promote an end to incitement, a return to calm, and respect for the safety and dignity of everyone in Jerusalem.”
This came after a wave of violence against Palestinians in the city, as dozens of Palestinians were wounded by extremist Israeli settlers, in violent confrontations that erupted in the Old City of Jerusalem on Thursday night, following a march by far-right Israelis.
The march organized by the far-right, anti-Arab group Lehava followed a week of violent assaults on Palestinians living inside the Green Lines and Palestinian residents of central Jerusalem.
Chanting “Death To Arabs,” the far-right Israelis attempted to break through police roadblocks and assaulted left-wing Israelis protesting against Lehava.
Heartbreaking! 💔
Israeli far-righters chanting "Death to Arabs" and attacking Palestinian homes tonight.#Jerusalem #Palestine pic.twitter.com/p7u5zKPRyN
— Bea (@HerNameIs_Bea) April 22, 2021
Ahead of the march, far-right Israelis called for violence and urged others to arm themselves in social media posts.
In one message group, a member wrote: “If one of the attackers isn’t hanged, this won’t end,” while in another group a member wrote: “We’re burning Arabs today, the Molotov cocktails are already in the trunk.”
On Thursday, the Israeli occupation forces attacked Palestinian worshipers while they were leaving the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem following night-time (Taraweh) prayers.
The Israeli police used water cannons and stun grenades to clamp down on the worshipers at the Damascus Gate area, on the south entrance to the Old City.
Watch | #Israeli occupation forces attack worshipers with water cannons in Damascus Gate, on the way leading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied #Jerusalem, today. pic.twitter.com/7V7v06yjTX
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) April 22, 2021
#Video documents the daily Israeli settlers' violence and attacks against the Palestinian citizens of occupied #Jerusalem, recorded last night. pic.twitter.com/YJv023G40l
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) April 22, 2021
Israeli occupation forces have arrested at least 30 Palestinians since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, using tear gas, stun grenades and water cannons to confront demonstrators.
The first provocation by Israeli occupation forces came last Tuesday, the first day of Ramadan, when Israeli police turned off speakers around the al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Israeli forces also blocked thousands of Palestinians from towns and villages of the occupied West Bank from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque to perform the first Friday prayer of the holy month of Ramadan.
Moreover, in the same day, the Israeli forces seized the Iftar (end of fast) meals intended for the people who were fasting near the Mosque compound, smashed the door of a mosque in the area, and sabotaged the loudspeakers prevent the call for the evening prayer from Al-Aqsa Mosque’s minarets.
