Violence in Israel and the West Bank has increased following the raising of the Palestinian flag outside United Nations headquarters in New York City on September 30. The event was a symbolic first, wifely condemned by Israel and the US for providing a sense of legitimacy among the international community that Palestine is being viewed as nation state.
Recent violence began on October 3 with the stabbing of an off-duty Israeli soldier and rabbi near the walled Old City that Israel captured during a 1967 war, according to Reuters. A few hours later an Israeli teen was stabbed and wounded, and a Palestinian was also killed in a clash with Israeli soldiers.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, met with security chiefs on Sunday, Oct 4 to discuss ways to deal with the rising violence.
Palestinians are unhappy with the security crackdown that has been employed by Israeli forces following recent attacks, according to BBC News. Muslims perceive the religious Jewish activity in these captured cities as an assault on Muslim values and attack on the Islamic identity in the place where they believe believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven.
Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, has asked the UN chief to move forward in granting Palestinians international protection from Israeli "aggression," according to HAARETZ News. At least four Palestinians were injured by gunshots during the conflict at Tulkarm, with Hudhayfah Ali Suleiman, an 18-year-old who reportedly sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.
