JERUSALEM, May 26, 2011 (WAFA) – Confrontations broke out between Israeli police and Palestinians Wednesday evening in and near the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Silwan and Ras Al-Amoud in response to the inauguration of a new settlement in Ras el Amoud, according to local sources.

Israeli forces brought reinforcements to the area to protect the settlers and confront the Palestinians.

Dozens of Palestinians, along with international and Israeli activists, protested against the inauguration of the new settlement. They raised Palestinian flags and banners written in various languages, including Hebrew, and chanted slogans condemning the policies of the Israeli government.

Fakhri Abu Diab, member of the Committee for the Defense of Silwan, said that the Palestinians have responded in their own way to the inauguration of the new settlement and sent a clear message that they will not surrender nor accept the settlement expansion in their town.

Several Palestinians, particularly women, children, elderly and sick, were severely hurt from inhaling tear gas that was fired at the two neighborhoods by the Israeli forces.

The confrontations came following ceremonies to inaugurate Har Hazeetim settlement in Ras Al-Amoud attended by Israeli ministers, parliament members and heads of political parties. The settlement construction was funded by the Jewish-American millionaire Irwin Moskowitz.

T.R/M.A.