Jerusalem unrest: an accumulation of incidents

Last night it came to fierce confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli police in Jerusalem’s Old City, injuring more than 200 people, mostly on the Palestinian side. It is by no means the first incident in Jerusalem in recent weeks. What is going on and why are the tensions so high?

The immediate cause for the recent unrest is the possible eviction of four Palestinian families in East Jerusalem. The families have to make way for Jewish settlers by the Israeli court. Night after night there are demonstrations at the houses in question, which have repeatedly resulted in clashes with the Israeli police. There is also a lot of attention for it on social media.

The Palestinians think it is unjust that they have to leave. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks of war crimes and the Hamas militant movement threatens Israel with retaliation. The United States, the European Union and the United Nations, among others, are also calling on Israel to prevent the evictions. But according to the Israeli authorities, there is only a legal matter between private individuals.

Violent

The matter is extra charged because Jerusalem is considered the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Israelis and Palestinians see Jerusalem as their capital, although Israel has effectively controlled the city since 1967. But East Jerusalem, where mainly Palestinians live, is still seen by the international community as occupied Palestinian territory.

However, the issue of evictions is not the only issue. Since the beginning of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, often a period of mounting tensions, there have been one incident after another.

So ran one conflict around the Damascus Gate high up, a place in Jerusalem where Muslims often gather during Ramadan. The closure of the area by Israel led to riots, in which, in addition to Palestinians and the police, extreme right-wing Jews were also involved. Night after night it was very violent.

Deadly incidents

Hamas also made a contribution by firing rockets and mortar shells from the Gaza Strip at Israel, which were answered with Israeli air strikes. After last night, Hamas is once again vowing vengeance on Israel, as has the rival movement Islamic Jihad. Both groups are seen by the West as terrorist organizations.

Another factor in the background is that President Abbas has indefinitely postponed the Palestinian parliamentary elections to be held this month. He blamed Israel for this, because that country would want to prevent voting in East Jerusalem.

This led to fierce criticism from his opponents, including supporters of Hamas. The frustration about the postponed elections is expressed towards both Abbas and Israel, with whom Abbas is working far too closely, according to his opponents.

This sum of things coincided with various fatal incidentsincluding an attack last Sunday that killed a 19-year-old Israeli and injured two. Also this week, a 16-year-old Palestinian was shot by the Israeli army. And just yesterday, the Israeli police reported two Palestinian gunmen to have killed, a third was seriously injured.

Marches through the old town

Many residents of Jerusalem are bracing themselves for the coming days, because it looks like it will remain restless for a while. Large groups of Palestinians and Israelis are expected to congregate in and around the old city, causing escalation.

Tens of thousands of Muslims are expected at Al-Aksa Mosque tonight for prayers on the holiest night of Ramadan. Right-wing Israelis also celebrate Jerusalem Day from Sunday evening, which is dedicated to the Israeli conquest of the city in 1967. That holiday is accompanied by marches through the old city, where mainly Palestinians live.

Finally, a hearing is scheduled for the Israeli Supreme Court on Monday on whether the Palestinian families can still appeal against their eviction. These are all elements that probably mean that peace in and around Jerusalem will not return for the time being.

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