Salah speech provokes J'lem clashes

Islamic chief calls for intifada, claims Israel's history tainted with blood.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
raid salah 298.88 (photo credit: Channel 10 [file])
raid salah 298.88
(photo credit: Channel 10 [file])
Dozens of masked Muslim youths and children clashed with security forces and reporters in east Jerusalem's Wadi Joz on Friday afternoon, throwing rocks, blocking streets and burning garbage bins. Police dispersed the rioters with stun grenades, tear gas and water hoses. At least one of the rioters was wounded and three were arrested, Israel Radio reported. The protesters had been listening to a sermon delivered by Islamic Movement head Sheikh Raed Salah at a massive protest rally north of the Old City. During the sermon, Salah urged supporters to start a third intifada in order to "save al-Aksa Mosque, free Jerusalem and end the occupation." He went on to say that Israel's history was tainted with blood. "They want to build their temple at a time when our blood is on their clothes, on their doorsteps, in their food and in their drinks. Our blood has passed from one 'General Terrorist' to another 'General Terrorist,'" exclaimed the Islamic Movement chief. Salah called on the Jewish people "not to gamble with its destiny" and promised the crowd that the "statue of power and the statue of occupation" would both be shattered. Salah also quoted assassinated Hamas-leader Sheikh Ahmad Yassin saying: "The powerful won't remain powerful for ever and the weak won't remain weak. Salah exclaimed that the prophets of Israel would have forsaken the Israeli institution. Following a violent protest 10 days ago, one of the most vocal opponents of the Mughrabi Gate project, Salah was barred by a court from coming within 60 meters of the Old City walls. On Monday, the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court agreed to a police request that he be barred from coming within 150 meters of the walls for 60 days.