Israel Bars Palestinians from Jerusalem's Old City as Violence Spreads
On Monday, troops shot dead 13-year-old Palestinian Abdel Rahman Abdullah -- the second killing of a Palestinian in 24 hours -- as dozens were wounded in clashes. After Abdullah's funeral on Tuesday, about 100 masked youths stoned soldiers who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Netanyahu has announced new measures including bolstering security forces, expediting demolition of suspected attackers' homes and more detentions without trial. Rules for when security forces can open fire have also been loosened. Israel lifted temporary restrictions Tuesday barring Palestinians from Jerusalem's Old City, where only residents, business owners and students had been allowed in for two days. It also said it was removing restrictions on Muslim prayer at the Al-Aqsa compound which had since Sunday been limited to men aged 50 and above, although there were no restrictions for women. The clampdown was imposed after two Israelis were stabbed to death in the Old City. Around 300,000 Palestinians live in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, where the Old City is located. [AFP]Netanyahu vows 'fight to death' as clashes spread after attacks
The Israeli premier's comments late on Sunday came as he convened security chiefs immediately after landing back from the United States to discuss the clashes in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.
There have been fears that the sporadic violence could spin out of control, with some warning of the risk of a third Palestinian intifada, or uprising.
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, who said in a UN speech last week that he was no longer bound by previous accords with Israel, accused the Israeli government of escalating tensions.
It was not clear what Abbas's UN declaration would mean in practice, including whether he would act to end security cooperation with Israel.
Early on Monday, Israel carried out an air strike on the Gaza Strip in response to a Palestinian rocket attack from the territory, an army statement said. No casualties were reported from either side.
The Gaza Strip is run by Abbas's rival, Islamist movement Hamas.
In a rare and drastic move, Israel barred Palestinians from Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday as violence spread after two Israelis were stabbed to death. The neighbourhood remained mainly quiet early Monday, with hundreds of police on patrol.
Worship at the sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound has been limited to men aged 50 and above. There were no age restrictions on women.
Around 300,000 Palestinians live in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, where the Old City is located.
Israeli security forces were already on alert after recent clashes at the compound and surrounding Old City, as well as the murder in the West Bank of a Jewish settler couple in front of their young children on Thursday.
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