Israel police and locals clash in East Jerusalem

Israel police and locals clash in East Jerusalem

2010-11-11 23:01:23 GMT+7 (ICT)

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (BNO NEWS) -- Israel police officers and east Jerusalem residents have continued to clash as tensions continue to rise in the area, local authorities said Thursday.

Spokeswoman for the Israeli Police Luba As-Samry said a police officer suffered minor injuries after clashes erupted when around 50 members of Israeli security forces raided the northern entrance of Isawiya Wednesday morning, while further officers entered the area through a south entrance.

On Wednesday night, Israeli security forces arrested seven rioting suspects in east Jerusalem, including five in Isawiya and two minors in Ras el-Amud. The arrests were based on suspicion of throwing stones at officers.

Violence erupted in the area on Tuesday when locals began hurling stones as local authorities began setting up a vehicle safety checkpoint. Residents described the checkpoints as "provocative" as constant checks prompted long delays and road blocks.

Controversy has surrounded east Jerusalem since Israel's Interior Ministry announced on Monday its plans to establish over 1,300 new housing units in the occupied area. The government said it plans on expanding the Har Homa neighborhood by 978 apartments and to build 320 new apartments in the Ramot neighborhood.

While international leaders, including President Barack Obama, criticize the announcement of its building plan as many believe it could further thwart peace negotiations Israelis and Palestinians, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that planning policy has never disrupted the peace process in the last 40 years.

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