Protests, Violence Break out in mixed Jewish-Arab Cities of Israel

Description

Diggers and public workers were seen clearing debris on Tuesday morning in the wake of violent unrest that shook the city of Lod during a Palestinian solidarity protest on Monday night. Burnt out cars lined the streets of the city while scorch marks were seen on the facade of a religious military preparatory academy whose insides were also heavily damaged by fire. The unrest erupted during a Palestinian solidarity protest organised by the local Arab community, according to officials and media reports. Local residents expressed dismay at the turn of events. "This situation is really bad, from both sides - the Jews and the Arabs,” said Eli, a resident of Lod. "We used to live with a good relationship with the Arab minority till today, but now everything has changed,” he added. Additionally, a local Arab-Israeli man was shot dead during the unrest, say police, who are investigating whether his death is related to the protests. Two Jewish suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, local media report. Police were seen investigating the area where the man was apparently gunned down. Violence has erupted across the region in recent days amid protests in the Old City over the possible eviction of Palestinian families living in Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood. Rockets were launched at Israel by Gaza militants on Monday with the Israeli military carrying out a wave of airstrikes on targets in the Gaza Strip in response.