Palestinians on strike in East Jerusalem
SMA NEWS – RAMALLAH
A general strike has taken place in several East Jerusalem towns after Palestinians took action against the current policies of Israeli authorities.
Youths closed the entrances to Shuafat refugee camp, Al-Isawiya, Anata, and Al-Ram from 3 a.m. on Sunday.
Violent clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli forces took place at around the same time at the entrance to Al-Isawiya, and Jabal Al-Mukaber.
East Jerusalemite activists called on Palestinian workers not to go to their workplaces inside Israel.
Islamic forces in East Jerusalem issued statements rejecting Israeli policy in the region, which includes demolishing homes and displacing residents, arrests, fines, confiscation of money and property, and the seizure of bank accounts.
About 350,000 Palestinians live in East Jerusalem, many of whom are adversely affected by the wall erected by Israel in 2005. They have been granted ID cards but in Israeli law are residents and not citizens.
Youths burned tires and closed streets in Al-Issawiya, Jabal Al-Mukaber, Shuafat camp, Anata, Al-Ram and Kafr Aqab on Sunday, amid a heavy presence of Israeli police vehicles and border guards.
