Violent clashes continued between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, in Hebron on Thursday. The Palestinians are angry about the Jewish state's intention to include two West Bank shrines, in a national heritage plan.
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An Israeli soldier fires a tear gas canister at Palestinians during clashes in the West Bank city of Hebron, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010. Palestinians in Hebron continued to protest Thursday over the Israeli decision to recognize a disputed West Bank shrine as one of its national heritage sites. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned earlier this week that the region could plunge into a 'religious war' over the decision.(AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi) |
During a Palestinian-Israeli solidarity march in the city, Palestinian youths threw stones toward Israeli soldiers. They retaliated, firing stun grenades toward the crowds. At least one man was arrested and another injured during the clashes. The dispute is over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to include two West Bank shrines in a national heritage list. The two shrines are Rachel's Tomb, and the Tomb of the Patriarchs. The Tomb of the Patriarchs is a site holy to both Jews and Muslims. Palestinian Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad, says Israel's plan is against international law. Netanyahu believes it's been misunderstood.
Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad said, Palestinian"These Israeli acts are similar to those Israeli acts that happened in 1967. They are internationally illegal. Israel's announcement of the heritage sites as Israeli sites and areas, is against the international law."
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said, "It seems this is a misunderstanding, because there is no intention or plan to change the status quo. Not regarding religious sites, and prayer arrangements. We will maintain freedom of worship and the existing arrangements of Jewish and Muslim worshippers alike."
Editor: Zhang Ning | Source: CCTV.com