Israeli police disperse Palestinian protesters in J'lem

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israeli police on Friday dispersed a peaceful Palestinian demonstration in occupied East Jerusalem to protest the recent seizure by Israel of a tract of land -- that includes a Muslim cemetery -- near the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

According to witnesses, police used stun grenades to disperse the crowds and beat a number of protesters.

In a statement, the Palestinian Red Crescent said at least one demonstrator had sustained serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Israel occupied the entire West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.

In a move never recognized by the international community, Israel annexed the entire city in 1980 claiming it as its "eternal and undivided” capital.

Late last year, U.S. President Donald Trump drew condemnation and protest from across the Arab and Muslim world when he announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.