Israel detains 10 Palestinians, including activists in Jerusalem

Israeli security forces detained 10 Palestinian civilians in Jerusalem early Wednesday, as the city continues to experience a surge in violence since Trump's Jerusalem declaration.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab

20 December, 2017

Trump's move has been condemned worldwide and protests have taken place globally [Getty]

Israeli security forces detained 10 Palestinian civilians, including activists, during raids across Jerusalem and its outskirts.

Majority of the arrests happened in the neighbourhood of al-Ram, north of Jerusalem.

The head of the Families of Prisoners Committee, Amjad Abu Assab, Fatah activist, Awad Salaymeh and his brother were among those arrested, with their homes raided before they were taken away.

Others detained were from the neighbourhoods of Issawiya, Silwan and the old city of Jerusalem.

Minors were also arrested, according to the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency WAFA.

Israeli forces have increased their crackdown on Palestinians in Jerusalem after protests broke out when US President Donald Trump declared the contested city as Israel's capital on December 6.

The controversial announcement has undermined the likelihood of a reconciliation, and damaged the already fragile Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, a position nearly the entire world rejects saying its status should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians.

Jerusalem is a key issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Arab leaders and others have reacted in anger.

Trump's move has been condemned worldwide and protests have taken place globally in US, UK, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan.