Title: Pro-Gaza Protests Erupt in Neighboring Areas as Israel’s Bombardment Continues
Subtitle: Israeli Security Forces Engage in Clashes with Palestinians in Al-Aqsa Mosque and West Bank
[date]
[City], [Country] – A surge of pro-Gaza protests has emerged in neighboring regions in response to Israel’s ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The conflict has sparked unrest and violence in various areas, including Jerusalem, the West Bank, and even Jordan.
On Friday, young Palestinians were barred from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem for prayers as Israeli security forces deployed extensively across the Old City and beyond to suppress any spillover of unrest from the Gaza conflict. Reports indicated that large numbers of Israeli police were stationed near Al-Aqsa, a hotspot notorious for clashes, as Palestinians gathered for Friday prayers. Reuters reported that at one point, tear gas was used against Palestinians by the police.
Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, four Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops during raids, according to the official Palestinian news agency, WAFA. Out of the four, two were identified as members of Palestinian fighter groups. The Israeli military stated that their troops came under attack in Jenin, resulting in the deaths of two men. The Islamic Jihad group confirmed that one of the deceased belonged to their organization, while Hamas asserted that one of their fighters was killed during the clashes. WAFA reported two additional Palestinian deaths, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict to 110.
Tensions escalated as Israeli forces destroyed a memorial in Jenin dedicated to the slain Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, and razed the street where she was fatally shot by an Israeli soldier. In Qalqilya, Israeli troops came under fire while shutting down a shop accused of inciting violence, leading to at least one person being shot by the military in response.
The protests in solidarity with Gaza also spread to other regions, including Hebron in the West Bank, where about 350 demonstrators gathered at the Ibn Rushd roundabout. They condemned Israeli actions and expressed support for Palestinian resistance. One protester, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Israeli drones were used to surveil and disperse the demonstration, with larger drones dropping gas bombs on the protesters later on. Political forces in Hebron called for a strike and mourning on the following day.
Evidence of clashes between Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces and demonstrators in Nablus emerged in video footage verified by Al Jazeera’s fact-checking and verification unit, Sanad. As protesters dispersed from clouds of tear gas, they chanted accusations of being “spies” directed toward the PA forces. Furthermore, a large demonstration took place in solidarity with the residents of Gaza in Ramallah, led primarily by young men, following the Israeli army spokesperson’s announcement of a ground incursion into the Gaza Strip.
In neighboring Jordan’s capital, thousands of people took to the streets, denouncing Israel’s actions and expressing unwavering support for the Palestinians. Palestinian flags were prominently waved as participants emphasized their unity with the people of Gaza and their commitment to stand behind the resistance until the end.
Mahmoud Aqalan, a protester, stated, “We are with Palestinians and with Gazans. We also came to stress that we are standing behind the resistance until the end.” Another participant, Hassan Sultan, emphasized, “It is our brothers who are being killed in Gaza. This is the least we could do – to make our position known to the world.”
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza continues to provoke outrage and international concerns, with no immediate resolution in sight.