In new violence Wednesday, Israeli police said an Arab attacker stabbed a 70-year-old woman, moderately wounding her, as she attempted to board a bus near Jerusalem’s crowded central bus station.
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This month alone, more than 30 of the latter have been killed by Israeli security forces, while a few 1,700 have been hurt by Israeli gunfire, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The compound that houses the al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock – in Jerusalem’s Old City – is the world’s third holiest site for Muslims, who call it Haram al Sharif, or “Noble Sanctuary”. The Palestinian dead include 10 knife-wielding assailants, police said, as well as children and protesters shot in violent demonstrations.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted this is not the case, and responded by claiming that Palestinian lawmakers were spreading lies to spark unrest.
The comments touched a nerve in Israel, which has angrily denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ allegations that it was “executing our sons in cold blood”.
Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday condemned the recent spate of terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians, saying there was no justification for violence and offering a more full-throated support for the Jewish state than previous USA statements. The attacker was shot and killed by security forces, police said.
Israel’s security cabinet had earlier authorised police to seal off or impose a curfew on parts of the city in a bid to stop “those who try murder and…all those who assist them”. Israeli police circled the knives in red to highlight that the boys were not innocent bystanders.
Pranab Mukherjee only recently arrived in Israel after having first visited Palestine, marking the first ever visit to the region by an India prime minister. Hundreds have been wounded in clashes with Israeli security forces.
Seven Israelis have been killed and dozens wounded. Hassan, 15, was shot dead by police. During the same period, 31 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire, including 14 identified by Israel as attackers, and the others in clashes between stone-throwers and Israeli troops.
The number and extent of the checkpoints in east Jerusalem were not yet clear and appeared limited Wednesday.
Israel says Manasra tried to stab two people, including a Jewish teenager, and was hit by a vehicle when he fled the scene.
Mr. Kirby added that the administration has heard “credible reports” of Israelis using excessive force to deal with the Palestinian attacks.
“I expect the uprising to expand and become a massive movement in the Palestinians territories”, he said.
The rising tide of violence has seen more than 20 stabbing attacks in addition to protests.
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Kirby didn’t name any examples of how Israel might be using force against Palestinians excessively Wednesday when he made the claim, and refused against on Thursday when he was asked.
