Israel tightens controls on West Bank and Gaza Strip

Israeli occupation forces intensified their presence, deploying a large number of troops all across the occupied West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, after Palestinian factions and forces called for a “Friday of Anger”.

A large number of police officers have been deployed in the main streets of occupied Jerusalem in anticipation of demonstrations after Friday prayers.

Occupation forces have also closed the only commercial and traveller crossing to and from the besieged Gaza Strip. NGO Gisha has condemned the move as a sort of “collective punishment” which “constitutes a serious violation of international law”.

Palestinian forces and factions had called for protests against US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the unified capital of Israel.

Read: Over 300 Palestinians arrested since start of Jerusalem protests

Demonstrations have been held every day since Trump’s decision on 6 December in both the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Protesters have been met with a heavy-handed response by Israeli occupation forces who have shelled Gaza, shot at protesters and used tear gas to disperse gatherings. Six Palestinians have been killed and nearly 2,5000 have been injured since the protests began.