ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday condemned the Saturday morning clashes between Palestinians and Israel security forces in Jerusalem that left at least 78 Arabs hurt.
The immediate spark for the unrest was Israel’s decision to barricade a plaza outside of Jerusalem’s Old City neighborhood during Ramadan. Palestinians traditionally gather at the spot each evening after prayers and a day-long fast.
Angry that their popular gathering spot was taken away, hundreds of young Palestinian men have taken to the streets each evening, hurling stones, firebombs, and other objects at police, while officers employ stun grenades and water cannons to disperse them.
“Pakistan views the recent alarming developments in the occupied Palestinian territories with serious concern,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
The illegal measures of Israeli troops, the statement observed, “have seen an upsurge since the onset of the holy month of Ramadan”.
The unrest resumed on Friday night when Palestinian youths gathered outside the Old City and scuffled with hundreds of Israeli police in riot gear. They threw stones towards police firing water cannons. Others hurled rocks at an Israeli court building and smashed security cameras. The Palestine Red Crescent said eight Palestinians were injured.
Israeli police said the unrest later extended to a nearby Palestinian neighbourhood with Palestinians hurling fire-bombs at officers and throwing stones at Israeli vehicles and homes. Three Palestinians were arrested and four officers were injured.
“Pakistan condemns these violent acts carried out by the Israeli occupation forces and urges the international community for prompt action to protect Palestinians,” the statement said. It also condemned “harassment of people coming for prayers, arrests of innocent Palestinians and other arbitrary restrictions in violation of fundamental human rights”.
Another flashpoint of violence was the march by hundreds of mostly young, religious supporters of the Jewish extremist organisation Lehava, the New York Times reported. The marchers had intended to confront young Arabs who have been clashing nightly with police in the vicinity of the Old City.
The statement reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the “Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination”.
“For just and lasting peace, it is imperative to have a two-state solution in accordance with the relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions, with the pre-1967 borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of a viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian State,” the FO said.
