Clashes erupt after Friday prayer in Silwan
Violent clashes swept through Silwan today following the weekly public prayer held in al-Bustan protest tent. Confrontations were sparked by an amassing of Israeli troops at the entrance to Silwan, who then moved through the village towards the protest tent. Palestinian youth responded by throwing stones at Israeli forces and settlers, causing damage to a settler's car. No injuries have been reported.
Clashes spread to neighboring districts, reaching Ein Silwan area on the outskirts of Wadi Hilweh, a district of intense settlement activity and another flashpoint for violence in Silwan village.
Today's prayer in al-Bustan focused on the recent Israeli targeting of Palestinian activists in Silwan, such as the military order banishing al-Bustan Popular Committee member and secretary-general of Fatah in Silwan Adnan Ghaith.
