JERUSALEM, February 1, 2012 (WAFA) – Confrontations erupted Tuesday night between Israeli police and Palestinian residents of the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawiya leading to several injuries among Palestinians, including one seriously, according to a local activist.

Raed Abu Rayali, from the Issawiya follow-up committee, told WAFA that confrontations started after Israeli police stormed the town and arrested a Palestinian on charges of throwing stones at Israeli soldiers.

Police called for reinforcements who immediately began firing a large amount of sound bombs and tear gas grenades at the stone throwers. Residents responded by blocking streets with tires and rocks.

Police fired rubber-coated metal bullets at the residents leading to several casualties, including a serious injury when a Palestinian was hit in the head by a rubber bullet. He was immediately transferred to hospital for treatment.

Two Israeli police officers were hit in the head by stones and were transferred to nearby Hadassah hospital for treatment.

T.R./M.S.