Clashes spread throughout Silwan yesterday as Israeli troops fired heavy amounts of tear gas grenades and rubber bullets on Palestinian residents in Wadi Rababa, Bir Ayyub and Baten al-Hawa districts. Six injuries were reported. Information Center photographer Ahmad Siyam was threatened with arrest by troops if he did not leave the area.

Paramedics evacuated four of those injured by rubber bullets from Baten al-Hawa but were unable to reach the others, blocked by Israeli forces. Dozens more residents suffered the asphyxiating effects of tear gas inhalation, including children, women and elderly people.

Confrontations extended to Ein al-Lawzeh district, where masked Palestinian youths attempted to prevent settlers, believed to be from Beit Yonatan settlement, from entering the area.

Young residents staged a protest march in response to the Municipality’s demolition plan for Al-Bustan neighborhood, currently contested in the Isreali Central Court. Israeli forces met the action with tear gas grenades and rubber bullets.