Hundreds of Palestinians have clashed with Israeli police in East Jerusalem. The protesters hurled stones at police, who responded using rubber bullets and tear gas.
At least forty Palestinians were treated in hospital; fourteen police officers are reported to have been injured.
The rioting was sparked off by Israel's announcement last week that 1600 new homes for Jewish settlers are to be built in East Jerusalem. The United States has strongly condemned the plans, which were announced two days after the US had convinced the Palestinians to take part in "proximity" talks with Israel.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the plans will go ahead regardless. The US Special Envoy for the Middle East, George Mitchell, has postponed a trip to Israel.
Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians rose to even higher levels yesterday with the reopening of the Hurva synagogue in the Old City of Jerusalem. Palestinians see the proximity of the synagogue to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, as a provocation.
Palestinians hurl stones against the backdrop of the Golden Gate
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