Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets on Thursday to protest against US President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Palestinian secular and Islamist factions called a general strike and midday rallies to protest Trump's decision. Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh called for starting a new intifada on Friday.
Answering the call for strike, the Palestinian education ministry declared a day off and urged teachers as well as high school and university students to take part in the planned rallies in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Palestinian areas in Jerusalem.
Hundreds of Palestinians protested at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, carrying Palestinian flags. Among other things, protesters called out “We will sacrifice our lives for Al-Aqsa.”
Israeli occupation forces attempted to deter several protests. They opened fire at the protesters along the eastern borders of the Gaza Strip and wounded nine pf them, including one suffered serious injuries.
“Trump opened hellfire on Israel,” said Ahmed al-Husseini from east Jerusalem. “He must not have taken this decision. Jerusalem is ours and it is owned by the Arabs –Muslims and Christians,” he added.
Al-Husseini continued: “Trump is better off looking for a game elsewhere, and far away from us. We have known for a while that he is a stupid person, and in the end he will lose and this will cost Israel too much.”
Palestinian school girl said: “I will not be calm unless we fight against Trump's decision. After reading the condemnations on Facebook yesterday, I thought there was going to be war today, but unfortunately there is almost no response here.”
She added: “Me and many other students just want to be on the ground. If it is too difficult for the men, then us women have the strength to do a lot of things that would lead us to a right and just struggle, and not just talk.”
Another east Jerusalem resident also criticised the Israeli Arab leadership. “We have had enough of slogans. Come to Jerusalem and head the demonstrations. Do not fear for your jobs, otherwise you will lose the (trust) of the Arab citizens.”
In the West Bank, Gaza and other places, protesters burned pictures and effigies of Trump and accused him of being crazy. Leaders of Palestinian factions led the demonstrations in Gaza and called for the PA to cancel the Oslo Peace Accords.
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