W. Bank Palestinians rally against ‘Trump Declaration’

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - Palestinians on Thursday staged demonstrations in the Israeli-occupied West Bank to protest U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

In Ramallah, hundreds of Palestinians marched towards the Qalandia checkpoint north of Jerusalem, condemning the controversial U.S. decision and shouting anti-Trump slogans.

According to eyewitnesses, at least seven people were injured when Israeli forces used rubber bullets and teargas to disperse protesters.

Similar demonstrations were seen on Wednesday in the West Bank cities of Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm and Qalqiliya.

In Hebron (Al-Khalil), several Palestinians were injured when Israeli forces clashed with protesters in the city’s Bab al-Zawiya district.

“At least five Palestinians were injured when Israeli forces used live ammunition, rubber bullets and teargas to disperse the crowds,” one witness said, preferring anonymity for security reasons.

In Bethlehem, meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinian youths clashed with Israeli army troops near the city’s northern entrance.

On Tuesday, Palestinian political factions issued a joint appeal for strikes, marches and demonstrations on Wednesday to protest the controversial “Trump Declaration”.

Tension has mounted in the Palestinian territories since Dec. 6, when Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, triggering condemnation and protest across the Arab and Muslim world.

Since then, 11 Palestinians have been martyred -- and over 3,000 injured -- in clashes with Israeli security forces in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the perennial Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.