Palestinian factions call for 'Day of Rage' during Trump visit

By YASSER OKBI/ MAARIV HASHAVUA
Updated: MAY 21, 2017 09:49
Palestinian Day of Rage sees escalated tensions (credit: REUTERS)
Palestinian factions in the West Bank are calling for "A Day of Rage" to coincide with US President Donald Trump's visit to Bethlehem on Tuesday, where he is expected to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Trump, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for his first international trip since taking office in January, will arrive in Israel on Monday and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where the two are expected to discuss prospects for peace negotiations and security issues.
One Palestinian organization, called the Islamic and National Forces, initiated the "Rage Day" call in a statement in conjunction with other West Bank factions, saying that they want to send a message to the American president that "the Palestinian people insist on their right to self-determination and national independence with east Jerusalem as its sovereign capital."
The statement added that "the US position supporting the occupation" and the Trump's administration "intention to return to American-sponsored negotiations" is unacceptable and "reject" such overtures.
The statement came just one day after hundreds of Palestinians flocked to the border between Israel and Gaza to participate in a demonstration that quickly escalated when multiple participants started igniting tires and hurling rocks at IDF soldiers deployed in the area.
According to the IDF, riot dispersal means were used to disperse the crowd, including the firing of warning shots into the air and the use of live fire. While Palestinian media reported injuries due to tank fire, the IDF denied the claims.
However, several were injured by gunfire.
Anna Ahronheim contributed to this report.