Over 100 Palestinians hurt in al-Quds as extremist settlers stage anti-Arab demonstration

Jerusalem, April 23 (RHC)-- Scores of Palestinians have been injured in clashes at the Damascus Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem al-Quds as Palestinian activists confronted hundreds of far-right and extremist Israeli settlers chanting “Death to Arabs” in their rally in the center of the occupied city. The Old City is home to al-Aqsa Mosque which is the third holiest site in Islam.  

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said in a statement that at least 105 Palestinians were injured, including 22 people who were hospitalized.

Earlier on Thursday, some 300 members of the supremacist Lehava group took part in the march.  The group is best known for its use of intimidation, harassment and violence to stop intermarriage and assimilation of Jews with non-Jews, and tries to stifle any public activity by non-Jews in the Occupied Territories, including coexistence events.

Lehava protestors, led by its far-right chief Benzi Gopstein, who professes violence, racism, and terror, chanted “Death to the Arabs!” and “Arabs get out!”   Israeli forces purportedly attempted to block the extremist settlers from reaching Palestinians, but they eventually used stun grenades, tear gas and water cannons against the Palestinian activists.

Some 20 officers were reportedly injured in the clashes, including a mounted officer hit in the face by a rock.  Three were taken for medical treatment.  Video footage circulating on social media showed police and hundreds of protesters running through the streets as the sound of stun grenades echoed in the background.

The sounds of children crying can be heard as a woman, unseen, shouts “Stop” in Arabic while several youths throw objects at the home.