The Kalandia checkpoint between Jerusalem and Ramallah was the site of a massive riot Thursday evening. Police estimated a crowd of over 10,000 Palestinians gathered to protest Israel’s military operations in the Hamas ruled Gaza Strip, quickly degenerating into violence when members of the crowd began throwing rocks, gasoline bombs and fireworks at police, as well as setting fires. One Palestinian was killed and over 200 others wounded in the melee, while 13 Israeli police officers were also wounded. Riots also broke out in several neighborhoods of Jerusalem overnight, resulting in several more police officers wounded and dozens of people arrested. The riots coincided with Laylat al-Qader, an important date in the month of Ramaddan, and police had deployed massive forces to be prepared for them. Police expect more rioting to follow Friday prayers in Jerusalem’s mosques. Read More
