'Israeli settler' stabs Palestinian teenager in Jerusalem

'Israeli settler' stabs Palestinian teenager in Jerusalem
A Palestinian teenager was left with neck injuries after a knife attack in East Jerusalem, as tensions continue to flare ahead of Israel's planned annexation of the West Bank.
2 min read
18 May, 2020
The attack occurred close to Damascus Gate, where tensions run high [Getty]
An Israeli settler is suspected of being behind a stabbing attack in Jerusalem on Monday that left a 17-year-old Palestinian boy injured, according to The New Arab's Arabic-language service.

Mohammed Natshe, who was attacked on Salah al-Din Street near Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem, was taken for treatment for neck injuries at a nearby medical centre.

Footage circulated on social media showed the boy with bandages around his neck covering his blood-stained sweatshirt.

His attacker, said to be in his twenties, fled the scene.

Jerusalem police have not yet announced any investigation into the incident.

The attack comes amid frayed tensions across the West Bank and Jerusalem as Israel verges on formally annexing large parts of the territory, something considered illegal under international law.

The move that has been strongly discouraged by the international community, but celebrated by several hardline factions, including many settlers who demand Israeli sovereignty over all Palestinian territories.

East Jerusalem contains 15 Israeli settlements - considered illegal under international law - home to an estimated 500,000 settlers.

On Sunday night, a group of settlers also attacked a Palestinian as he drove through a village north of Ramallah.

Eyewitnesses said that Yazan Dawabshe was attacked by the group, who got out of the vehicle they were travelling in to pelt stones at Dawabshe's car.

Settlers near Nablus also cut down 40 olive trees belonging to a Palestinian farmer.

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Settlers launch frequent attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, often under the protection of Israeli forces.

As well as enabling settler violence, the Israeli military has also been accused of waging their own campaign of repression against Palestinians by harassing locals, demolishing homes, and using live ammunition against civilians.

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