Riots in Umm al-Fahm over naval raid on Gaza aid flotilla
Two police officers lightly hurt from stones thrown at them during riots; Arab residents of Akko, Haifa wave PLO flags
Reporters and television crews were pelted with stones at the Umm al-Fahm junction Monday afternoon by Arab-Israelis demonstrating against the lethal naval raid on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
Two police officers were lightly injured from stones thrown at them by the rioters. Three suspects, all in their 20s, were arrested.
In addition, several youths burned tires in the city.
Large Border Guard forces have deployed in and around Umm al-Fahm ahead of a demonstration scheduled for later in the evening.
Also on Monday, some 100 residents of Akko protested at the entrance to the Old City against the raid.
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The demonstrators carried signs against the operation, and waved PLO flags. Police said the protest was held with a permit, and no riots were recorded.
A smaller rally was held at "Zim Square", located at the entrance to Haifa's port and naval base. Some 20 Arab-Israeli women took part in the demonstration, while a number of religious Jews rallied at the site in support of the Navy's operation.
Another rally in support of the IDF was held at the Tzabar junction on the highway connecting Haifa and Akko. During the rally some 300 Kiryat Motzkin residents waved Israeli flags and held signs reading, "IDF soldiers – the nations is behind you".
"We won't let anyone damage the State of Israel's character," Kiryat Motzkin Mayor Haim Tzuri said at the event.
In Jerusalem, dozens demonstrated outside the prime minister's residence against the IDF's conduct during the Gaza sail takeover. The protestors held signs reading "Blockade is terror."
Earlier Monday, hundreds of Palestinians joined a line of protests against the Israeli military operation and called for an end to negotiations with Israel.
The Palestinians protested in Qalandiya, near Ramallah, against the lethal raid, and called out anti-Israel slogans and slogans in support of the activists on the ships.
Ahiya Raved contributed to the report
