Capital idea wreaks havoc on Gaza Strip

THOUSANDS of Palestinian protesters have clashed with Israeli forces in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Demonstrators in the Gaza Strip also burned US flags and pictures of President Donald Trump over the decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Israeli forces were bracing for more violence last night, with tens of thousands of Palestinians due at weekly prayers at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque, the city’s most sacred Islamic site.

In Gaza, the leader of the Hamas militant group called on Palestinians to launch a new uprising against Israel.

The Palestinians were blindsided by Mr Trump’s move to depart from decades of US policy on Jerusalem and up-end longstanding international assurances that the fate of the city would be determined in negotiations.

The Palestinians seek east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in 1967, as their capital. Israel claims the entire city, including east Jerusalem, home to sensitive Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites, as its undivided capital.

The Palestinians declared three “days of rage”, shuttering schools and businesses, and staging demonstrations at Damascus Gate, one of the entrances to Jerusalem’s Old City, and cities across the West Bank and Gaza. The Israeli military reported demonstrations in 30 locations across the West Bank yesterday.

Anger at the US rippled across the Arab world. Saudi Arabia condemned the decision in a rare public rebuke, describing it as “unjustified and irresponsible”.

Meanwhile, Australia is warning those travelling in the Middle East to be alert for violent protests.

But there were barely any protests in regional capitals, such as Beirut, Baghdad or Damascus.

“People are tired, exhausted. I feel we are doomed anyway and nothing we do makes a difference,” said Ghinwa Barakat, a 43-yearold shopper in Beirut. “Who’s going to support the Palestinians? Syria is destroyed, Iraq is destroyed. The Gulf countries are fighting each other. So, who?”

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warned travellers of likely violence in Jordan, Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.