Palestinian Residents of Issawiya Clash with Israeli Police

Confrontations erupted Tuesday night between Israeli police and Palestinian residents of the East Jerusalem (Al-Quds) neighborhood of Issawiya leading to several injuries among Palestinians, including one seriously, according to a local activist. Raed Abu Rayali, from the Issawiya follow-up committee, told Palestine News and Information Agency "WAFA" that confrontations started after Israeli police stormed the town and arrested a Palestinian on charges of throwing stones at Israeli soldiers. Police called for reinforcements who immediately began firing a large amount of sound bombs and tear gas grenades at the stone throwers. Residents responded by blocking streets with tires and rocks. Police fired rubber-coated metal bullets at the residents leading to several casualties, including a serious injury when a Palestinian was hit in the head by a rubber bullet. He was immediately transferred to a hospital for medical treatment. Two Israeli police officers were hit in the head by stones and were transferred to nearby Hadassah hospital for medical treatment.