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HEBRON (West Bank), Dec 2: At least 13 Palestinians and one Israeli were wounded on Tuesday as ultra-nationalist Israelis clashed with residents and police in the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron.
The rioting broke out as rumours spread that security forces were set to evict 100 Jewish settlers from a house the Israeli high court has ordered evacuated.Young settlers, backed by right-wing supporters, hurled rocks for several hours at Palestinian homes and police vehicles. Police at one point fired teargas grenades at the protesters.
At least 13 Palestinians were wounded and significant damage was caused to homes in Hebron, medics and witnesses said.
One Jewish activist was later seriously wounded after being hit in the head by a rock thrown at him by Palestinians as the clashes continued throughout the day, the army said.
On Nov 16, the Israeli High Court ordered the settlers to leave the Hebron house in which they have lived since March 2007, but security forces have not enforced the order to date.
The settlers insist they have bought the house, which the alleged Palestinian seller denies. The court ordered the settlers to leave the building until ownership can be determined.
MOSQUE DESECRATED: Since the eviction order was issued, the settlers have been involved in several clashes and desecrated a mosque and a cemetery.
Dozens of settlers in the northern West Bank also clashed with Palestinians and border police, and blocked roads in a show of support for the Israelis living in the house.
Graffiti insulting Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), as well as stars of David were spray painted on mosques in the area on Tuesday.—AFP
