Clashes continue in Jerusalem as Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalates during Ramadan

The streets of the Holy City have seen their fair share of violent conflict over the years, but there was hope that things would be somewhat peaceful during the month of Ramadan. It seems, however, that the advent of the holy month has brought with it more conflict, not less.

According to Reuters, tensions were raised after Israeli police allegedly prevented Palestinian Muslims from "holding their usual Ramadan evening gatherings outside Damascus Gate" and videos on social media circled showing Palestinian youth "slapping or otherwise assaulting ultra-Orthodox Jews in the city". Israeli police justified their actions stating that they wanted to "ensure that tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers have safe access to the main Islamic prayer site in the Old City".

Both Arabs and Jews took to the streets; chaos ensued. As the BBC reports, violence erupted while law enforcement attempted to separate Palestinians and ultra-nationalist Jewish protesters.

On Thursday night, hundreds of members of the ultra-nationalist Lehava group made their way to Damascus Gate chanting "Death to Arabs", according to the BBC. In response Palestinians "discharged fireworks", and lit dumpster fires.

Reuters reports that Israeli police "fired gun grenades and prayed foul-smelling skunk water" to disperse the crowds.

Violence was committed by both sides, leaving both Jews and Arabs injured.

The clashes have since died down; according to reports around 60,000 Muslim worshippers were seen "filing past police in the Old City to attend noon prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque".

The United States Embassy in Jerusalem put out a statement expressing their concern, and urged all involved to find peace with one another.

East Jerusalem is one of the most contested areas of the city, with both Israelis and Palestinians claiming it to be their capital. Israel took control of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War, and has since declared the entire city to be the national capital.