Palestinian protests rage across West Bank, Gaza against U.S. Jerusalem decision

GAZA/RAMALLAH, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Palestinians held protests on Friday in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, over U.S. recent recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

In West Bank, scores of people paraded towards the Israeli settlements where they clashed with Israeli soldiers.

The soldiers opened fire and threw tear gas bombs at the protesters, causing at least 40 injuries, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Angry Palestinians also held demonstration inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound after the Friday noon prayers.

In Gaza, mosques called on the Palestinians to take to the street to protest for Jerusalem, while dozens of youths headed to the border areas between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he acknowledged Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and decided to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Trump's declaration received wide criticism and opposition from Arab and Muslim countries.

On Thursday, Islamic Hamas movement leader Ismail Haniyeh called for a Palestinian "popular uprising" on all Palestinian territories to boycott Trump's announcement.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also condemned and rejected the U.S. decision in a speech aired live on the official Palestinian Television, saying the declaration would not give any legitimacy to Israel in this matter.

"Trump's declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of the Zionist entity (Israel) is ominous and he is playing with fire," said Ahmad Bahar, a senior Hamas leader during Friday prayers.

"Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine, and also the capital of the Arabs and Muslims. By declaring Jerusalem is the capital of the Zionist entity, he is digging his grave with his hands," Bahar said.

He called on Arab and Islamic countries to support the Palestinian people, especially those who live in Jerusalem facing the "conspiracy of the occupation."

He also urged the Arab League and Arab foreign ministers to take actions to support the Palestinians, adding that "the attack on Jerusalem is an attack on Mecca and Medina."

Mecca and Medina are two holy cities for the Muslims in Saudi Arabia. Enditem