Clashes break out between Israeli forces, anti-Trump Palestinians in West Bank

Rasa - The situation remains tense in the occupied West Bank territories. Clashes have broken out between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters, who took to the streets for the fifth consecutive day to censure a US decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s “capital.”

News ID: 435271

Date: 11 December 2017 - 23:24

RNA - Israeli forces have fired tear gas and rubber bullets in several areas across the occupied West Bank, including Ramallah and Nablus, to disperse the Palestinian demonstrators, who threw rocks at them in return.

Last week, US President Donald Trump said Washington was recognizing Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s “capital” and tasked his officials with making preparations for transferring the embassy from Tel Aviv to the occupied city.

Trump’s announcement triggered harsh criticisms from the entire global community, including from Israel’s very own allies.

Several protests have been held in many countries over the past days against the US and Israel.

Earlier in the day, demonstrators in Indonesia and Malaysia held similar rallies to voice their support for the Palestinian nation.

Indonesian protesters torched US and Israeli flags in front of the American embassy in the capital, Jakarta.

The protesters also waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against the US and the occupying regime in Israel.

In the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, protesters also gathered in front of the American embassy, burning an effigy of Trump.

In previous days, massive demonstrations and clashes with protesters were reported in many countries.

The entire Jerusalem al-Quds is currently under Israel’s control, while the regime also claims the city’s eastern part, which hosts the third holiest Muslim site.

The city has been designated as “occupied” under international law since the 1967 Arab War, which Palestinians want as the capital of their future state.

Trump had vowed during his presidential campaign that he would relocate the US embassy to Jerusalem to please his pro-Israel voters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Trump’s recognition as “historic” and a "courageous and just decision."

Palestinians had repeatedly warned Trump against such an action, saying it would deliver a death blow to any prospects of the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

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