RAMALLAH, Thursday, April 22, 2021 (WAFA) – The Presidency of Palestine has strongly condemned the growing incitement by extremist far-right Israeli settler groups advocating for the killing of Arabs, which in recent days manifested in a wave of attacks against Palestinian civilians in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem.

In a press statement issued today, the Presidency reaffirmed that "East Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine and is a red line", and urged the international community to protect the Palestinian people from the ongoing settler attacks, which it said were encouraged by the Israeli government.

Earlier today, clashes erupted with Israeli occupation forces after the latter attacked Palestinian worshipers while they were leaving the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem following Taraweeh prayers.

The Israeli police used water cannons and stun grenades to clamp down on the worshipers at the Damascus Gate area, on the south entrance to the Old City, as groups of hardcore Israeli settler fanatics held a provocative gathering in the same area and assaulted some Palestinian civilians under police watch.

At least 40 injuries were reported for worshipers in Damascus Gate, of whom seven were hospitalized, while many light injuries were reported in other areas that were treated at the scene by local medics. Other cases of faitining or bruises were also reproted due to the use of water cannons by the Israeli occupation forces who provided protection for the settlers.

The areas surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the Old City in general have seen recurrent waves of nightly violence by the Israeli occupation forces and fanatic settlers since the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan last week.

M.N