Palestinians Celebrate as Barriers Removed From Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate

Palestinians celebrated at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem after the Israel Police removed the barriers erected at the start of Ramadan. After the barriers were removed Sunday night, Palestinian worshippers gathered on the steps of the Damascus Gate after prayers at the end of the daily fast, a Ramadan tradition. The crowd celebrated the decision to remove the barriers, including waving Palestinian flags, though there were some clashes between some in the crowd and police, Reuters reported.

The decision to remove the barriers comes after two weeks of clashes, some very violent, over the barriers.  More than 100 Palestinians were wounded, while the Israel Police said at least 20 officers were injured. At least 40 Palestinians were arrested.

Palestinian groups in Gaza called on supporters to “escalate the uprising ” … in the streets and alleys of Jerusalem, the Palestinian capital and in the West Bank.”

The tensions in the city fueled parallel protests throughout the West Bank and Gaza, seeing Palestinians demonstrating in solidarity with their brethren in Jerusalem. Palestinian terrorists in Gaza launched dozens of rockets toward Israel on Friday night and Saturday. Israel responded with airstrikes targeting Hamas positions in the coastal strip.