Testimonial from Jerusalem

A Palestinian citizen of Israel and an activist told MEE what it was like to be in Jerusalem right now: 

The Old City of Jerusalem is surrounded with heavy security. The army is out in force as are the police. There are snipers and lots of police on hosrseback who are preventing any Palestinian from getting close to Damascus Gate, the main entrance of the Old City.

As I tried to approach the Old City in a small group, I saw that the army had started to shoot at people trying to get closer.

An old man, who looked around 60-years-old, was shot in his leg with a rubber bullet. I could see him lying on the floor and waiting for the ambulance to evacuate him.

Journalists and photographers were mainly the ones targeted by the Israeli army. Three reporters where injured this morning, including MEE photographer Faiz Abu Rmeleh.

Not far way from the Old City in the Musrara area of East Jerusalem more than 100 settlers are standing in the road that separates East and West Jerusalem. The atmosphere is incredibly tense.

I spoke with two Palestinian women, who were wearing their hijabs, who said that they didn't have the courage to go to the bus station where the settlers were standing and they were asking around to try find alternative routes.

I have lived and worked in Jerusalem and know the city well and I can’t remember similar atmosphere to this for many years. We feel like we are in a war zone. Shops are closed. The military is in every corner ready to shoot. Everyone here feel targeted by Israel.