Conflicts & War

Palestinians in Jerusalem walk off job in strike over Israeli repression

Jerusalem, Feb 19 (EFE).- Palestinians in several neighborhoods of East Jerusalem went on a general strike on Sunday to protest against near-daily arrest raids and housing demolitions by Israel, amid heightened tensions in the region.

Young people and local residents blocked the entrances to the Shuafat and Qalandiya refugee camps, as well as to neighborhoods such as Isawiyah, Jabal Mukaber, Sur Baher, Silwan and the Mount of Olives, Israeli and Palestinian media reported.

“The civil disobedience comes in response to the daily crimes of the (Israeli) occupation government,” strike organizers told Arab48 news site, and to protest “repressive measure, abuse, torture and humiliation,” they said.

Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces broke out early in the morning at various areas.

According to Israeli police, roads were also blocked using tires, garbage containers and other objects, which were later removed by officers.

Palestinians employed in Israeli companies were called not to go to their workplaces, and to stop paying taxes to the state and Israeli municipality in Jerusalem.

The strike comes amid mounting violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

In recent weeks, Palestinians have launched several deadly attacks against Israelis, prompting the right-wing Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu to introduce harsh retaliatory measures on the alleged attackers and their relatives, including demolishing or sealing off their homes.

At least 48 Palestinians, several of them minors, have been killed following military operations, Palestinian-led attacks and clashes with Israeli troops so far this year, while 11 Israelis have died in 2023.EFE

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