4th day of unrest over Jerusalem move as Arab ministers demand reversal of decision

The occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip regions in the Middle East has witnessed four days of unrest over the decision by the US to recognise Jerusalem as the new capital of Israel.

A crowd of at least 100 peaceful demonstrators in Salah Eddin, one of the busiest shopping streets in East Jerusalem were dispersed by Israeli forces firing stun grenades and tear gas as they charged the protesters.

Reports say the incident which saw Israeli troops push and beat protesters at the scene witnessed the arrest of at least 13 Palestinians while no less than 12 victims were injured.

Among those held was Jihad Abu Zneid, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Before her arrest, Abu Zneid told Al Jazeera the protesters were determined to “never give up”.

Read also: 2 Palestinians killed as fatal protests erupt after US named Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

“This is our country and we will save it,” she said. ‘We will save our capital and our sovereignty here in Jerusalem.”

In a related development, Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has been condemned by Arab foreign ministers on Sunday which demanded that the decision be rescinded.

The minister described the move as a “grave” development that puts Washington on the same side as “occupation” and the violation of international law.

“We have taken a political decision not meant to reflect (what is going on in) the streets. Political work is responsible work,” said Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit. “Jerusalem has been occupied for 50 years. This is an extended battle, a battle that will be escalated,” he told the news conference.

After an emergency meeting which started on Saturday night, the Arab ministers adopted a two-page resolution which did not include any punitive actions against the United States.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now