Police arrest 26 Palestinians over 48 hours for east Jerusalem rioting

Latest detentions brings total to over 700 since July, including 50 in September.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
Palestinian protesters take cover during clashes with Israel Police in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Wadi Joz September 7, 2014. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Palestinian protesters take cover during clashes with Israel Police in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Wadi Joz September 7, 2014.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A 48-hour sweep by police and Border Police in east Jerusalem resulted in the arrests of 26 Palestinians, including 13 minors, accused of rioting in the capital following the death of 16-year-old Muhammad Abd al-Sunuqrut last week.
According to a statement from police, the arrests took place Sunday through Tuesday in Abu Tor, Isawiya and Silwan after an intensive investigation into the rioting, which culminated in attacks on Jewish homes and the near-explosion of a French Hill gas station.
Among the 26 arrested, six minors between the ages of 12 and 17 are suspected of hurling firebombs at Jewish residences in Abu Tor, four from Isawiya were charged with looting and attempting to ignite the gas station, and three are accused of throwing rocks at officers in Silwan.
The remaining 13 adults are being charged with similar crimes in the Arab neighborhoods.
Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the arrests brought the total number of Palestinians apprehended for rioting since early July to over 700, including 50 over the past two weeks alone.
“The Jerusalem Police will continue its determined and uncompromising activity and arrest whoever has a hand in the rioting in the city and act to bring them to justice,” said Samri in a Tuesday statement.
According to an autopsy report that a Palestinian coroner issued Sunday, Sunuqrut died after a police sponge bullet struck him in the head during an August 31 riot in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Wadi Joz.
The report directly contradicted police claims that the teen had been shot in the leg and had subsequently fallen and hit his head against the pavement while attempting to flee the scene.
One week after undergoing emergency surgery, Sunuqrut died at Hadassah University Medical Center in Ein Kerem, setting off a series of riots fueled by allegations of police wrongdoing.
Samri said more arrests were expected in the coming days.