RNA - Hani Halabia, a local activist, said Israeli forces raided Abu Dis claiming there was a suspicious object where they clashed with residents. The forces randomly fired tear gas canisters and concussion grenades at schools in the area and Al-Quds University campus, interrupting schooling, WAFA reported.
Children were evacuated from the schools after inhaling the tear gas that filled the air, he said, adding that one person was hit by a live bullet while eight others were injured from rubber-coated metal bullet. All were treated at local clinics because Red Crescent ambulances were not able to reach the clashes area.
This came as Israel imposed a four-day closure on the West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip ahead of the Jewish New Year, starting at midnight Tuesday through midnight Saturday.
Israel also deployed heavy police forces across occupied East Jerusalem, including at the roads and gates leading to Jerusalem’s Old City, and set up observation posts at Damascus Gate, on the eve of the New Year.
Troops set up barricades at the gates leading to Jerusalem’s Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, patrolling the surrounding area, stopping Palestinian Muslim worshippers heading to the holy site, examining their ID cards and thoroughly searching them.
Meanwhile, fanatic Jewish groups urged their followers and supporters to intensify their intrusions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and participate in massive marches in the Old City of Jerusalem to mark the Jewish New Year.
Dozens of Jewish fanatics have roamed the Muslim holy compound on Wednesday under heavy police protection, according to officials from the Muslim Waqf department in charge of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The intrusions happened as Muslims begin to celebrate on Thursday the Muslim New Year, 1439 Hijra with worship and prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli authorities typically resort to place severe restrictions on Palestinian movement during Jewish holidays for alleged security reasons and usually accompanied by rising tensions around Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
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