Israeli forces have begun a major security operation in Arab areas of occupied East Jerusalem, after a surge in attacks by Palestinians. On Wednesday morning police blocked entrances to Jabal Mukaber, a district that is home to three men accused of killing three Israelis on Tuesday. The Israeli military also deployed hundreds of soldiers to assist. Later, police said they shot dead a Palestinian who stabbed an Israeli woman at Jerusalem’s main bus station. A Palestinian also attempted to stab a policeman at the Damascus Gate of the walled Old City, but was shot dead by police, they added. Since the beginning of October, seven Israelis have been killed and dozens wounded in shooting and stabbing attacks, the Israeli authorities say.At least 30 Palestinians have also been killed, including assailants, and hundreds have been injured, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israeli forces had entered the al-Aqsa complex in September; thereafter, there has been a campaign of provocations carried out by extremist Jewish groups calling for the destruction of one of Islam’s holiest sites. Moreover, there have been few attempts by what the Palestinians term the ‘settlers’ regime’ in Tel Aviv to control the Jewish extremists. Israel, of course, has a long history of violating the sanctity of Palestine’s holy sites, and has no regard for Palestinian lives. Israel’s response to Palestinian violence has been, characteristically, brutal. Even the UN secretary general has reportedly asked Tel Aviv to review its tactics when dealing with Palestinian protests.Clearly, if the situation is not controlled there is a risk that the violence will spread; in fact, there has been talk of a ‘third intifada’ breaking out. It should be remembered that the second intifada was sparked by the provocative visit of Israeli leader Ariel Sharon to the al-Aqsa mosque in 2000. To contain the unrest, there must be no change to the status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites, while Jewish extremists must be prevented from stirring up trouble in this highly sensitive city that is revered by all the Abrahamic faiths. Until the long-term status of Jerusalem is decided judiciously, the threat of violence will always loom.
pk.shafaqna.com
