The Al Aqsa Martyr’s Brigade, a terrorist group affiliated with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah movement, took credit for shots fired during violent demonstrations on Thursday night.
Two people were killed during the clashes with Israeli forces that erupted when the thousands of demonstrators marching from Ramallah reached the Qalandiyah checkpoint, at the entrance to Jerusalem, Thursday night. Palestinian sources said more than 200 people were wounded by both live fire and rubber bullets. Dozens of others suffered from tear gas inhalation.
The Israel Police said shots were fired at Israeli forces from the vicinity of the demonstration. Palestinian sources said that Fatah’s military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, claimed responsibility for this shooting. Sources in the IDF central Command said these were the most violent demonstrations in a long time.
Other marches occurred that night, starting in Hebron, Tulkarem, and Bethlehem. Following the reports of the deaths, Fatah and other Palestinian factions called for a “day of rage.”
Ynet reports that there were also riots in Jerusalem.
Five policemen sustained light wounds from fireworks thrown during riots that broke out in Jerusalem’s Temple Mount and ten Arab youths were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the riots. Protestors also shot fireworks in the neighborhoods of Abu Tor and East Talpiot. In addition, riots were reported in the East Jerusalem area of Shuafat.
Hamas has calling for a “third intifada” in the West Bank:
As tens of thousands of Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces in the West Bank, Qatar-based Hamas spokesman Husham Badran called for a third Intifada, saying the timing is right to rise up, Israel Radio reported early Friday morning.
“This is your opportunity,” Badran said to West Bank Palestinians.
Hamas official Izzet A-Rishak also joined the call for another uprising, urging on his Twitter feed for a revolution against the enemy, adding that the blood of Gazans ignites the West Bank.
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