Minor clashes amid funeral for Palestinians killed in Nakba riots

No injuries reported at Temple Mount, Nablus, Kalandiya; Palestinian security forces concerned of violent riots day after 2 Palestinian teens slain.

MAY 16, 2014 14:36

Mourners chant slogans during the funeral of two Palestinians, who were shot dead during clahses on Thursday, in the West Bank city of Ramallah May 16, 2014. (photo credit: REUTERS) — Mourners chant slogans during the funeral of two Palestinians, who were shot dead during clahses on Thursday, in the West Bank city of Ramallah May 16, 2014.

(photo credit: REUTERS)

Relatively minor clashes occurred in the West Bank and Jerusalem on Friday while mourners in Ramallah held funerals for two Palestinians, who were killed on Thursday during protests to mark Nakba Day near the West Bank city.

Earlier on Friday, Palestinian security forces were concerned that violent protests would erupt in light of the slaying of the two young Palestinian men, Israel Radio reported.

Palestinian youths and IDF forces clashed with relative restraint in Nablus and near the Kalandiya checkpoint between Jerusalem and Ramallah on Friday, Channel 10 reported. No injuries or damage were reported.

Muslim worshipers hurled stones at Israeli police forces at the Temple Mount following weekly Friday morning prayers. No injuries or damage were reported.

Police said six Arab youths were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the incident. Authorities said the compound had subsequently resumed order.

The Palestinian security forces had been worried that clashes with Israeli forces after Friday morning prayers would cause tensions.

The Palestinian Authority declared a day of mourning on Friday to allow for broad participation in the funerals of two young men who were killed near Ramallah.

Adnan Damiri, a spokesman for the Palestinian Authority's security forces, told Israel Radio that the Israeli government had issued a death sentence to the political process when, as he charged, it killed Muhammad Abu Daher and Nadim Siam "in cold blood."

He confirmed to the radio station that the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah was considering to halt security coordination with Israel in response to the incident on Thursday.

Israel's Border Police said they had slightly increased deployments on Friday morning but that their level of preparedness was not much different than on any other Friday.

The two 17-year-old Palestinian youths were fatally shot when scores of Palestinian demonstrators attacked IDF soldiers with stones at a protest near the Ofer Prison, located between Ramallah and the Givat Ze’ev settlement.

Palestinians and Israeli left-wing activists said the two teenagers were shot with live ammunition, something soldiers are supposed to use only when their lives are in danger.

The IDF denied the allegation and insisted that only rubber bullets were used.

Palestinians marked Nakba Day with marches and rallies in all the major cities of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Ben Hartman contributed to this report.