In one of the holiest cities in the world, trouble is brewing again with Palestinian youth facing the Israeli army near Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem. The demonstrators were quickly dispersed by Israeli soldiers who fired gas bombs and rubber coated steam bullets towards the youth who threw stones and glass bottles towards the soldiers.
Press members were present at the scene but were very cautious as they stood on the sidelines to avoid being hit from either side. Israel has been on high alert after many rockets fired from Gaza in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ahmed Jabari hit some settlements in their area. Both sides have witnessed the loss of innocent civilians, with the Palestinians experiencing the heavier toll of over a 100 deaths, while Israel has accounted for 4 deaths.

Most Palestinians today spent the day indoors due to a national strike that was announced to show solidarity with Gaza.

The visit of the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton may ease the tension with there being a talk of a cease fire at 9:00 p.m. local time