Extremist Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinians in Jerusalem and Hebron

Israeli soldier, Palestinian injured in settler attack near Hebron

Date: 22 / 05 / 2009  Time:  20:48
Hebron – Ma’an –

A Palestinian and an Israeli soldier were injured on Friday after a group of illegal Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinian youths in the southern West Bank.

The Palestinians had tried to remove a tent that was set up in the area of Al-Buwairah, east of the West Bank city of Hebron.

According to Ma'an's correspondent, a group of Youth Against Settlements activists had removed a tent that was set up by illegal Israeli settlers east of Hebron when a group of the illegal West Bank residents attacked the Palestinians, as well as a unit of Israeli soldiers in the area that attempted to stop the settlers.

The injured Palestinian was identified as Hashem Al-Aza, who was injured in the head alongside an Israeli soldier attempting to prevent the settler riot.

Issa Amer, a field researcher for the Israeli human rights organization B'tselem, said that "this attack was carried out by the settlers and the soldiers," and warned that settlers were attempting to take control of the area.

Amer added that the Israeli forces designated the area a so-called closed military zone, and prevented the Palestinians from staying, but did not similarly force the settlers out.

Israeli extremists attack vehicles, stores in East Jerusalem

Date: 22 / 05 / 2009  Time:  15:27
Jerusalem – Ma’an –

Israeli extremists smashed dozens of storefront windows and lights on several streets in East Jerusalem on Thursday night, apparently while police looked on and did nothing.

Damages were reported on Al-Wad Street, As-Selsela, Khan Az-Ziet, Al-Haser and Jaffa Gate during rallies that were organized under the protection of police on the anniversary of Israel's "Jerusalem Day," a holiday that marks the conquest of the eastern half of the Palestinian capital in 1967.

On Jaffa Street in West Jerusalem, a group of extremists attacked a Palestinian vehicle, destroying it, before its owner managed to flee the scene. Another two cars, including a taxi, were damaged by stones thrown by mobs.

Meanwhile on Thursday, Israeli police assaulted Naser Qous, the head of the Prisoner’s Society in East Jerusalem, and Ala’ Hadad, member of the Prisoners' Families Committee.

Muhyi Abu A’sab was assaulted after police broke into his store in the souk of Khan Az-Zeit in the Old City of East Jerusalem. The incident reportedly occurred when Nasser was trying to stop policemen from attacking his son Jihad, who was on his way to accompany his aunt to their family home after Israeli forces prevented residents from moving in the area due to the rallies.