Hamas calls for uprising on Jerusalem day of rage

On the back of fierce rioting that erupted Tuesday between Palestinians and Israeli security forces across east Jerusalem, a senior Hamas leader has called for a new "intifada," or uprising. US Middle East envoy George Mitchell has postponed his visit to the region.

Reuters

As police fired rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas at protesters, Hamas deputy politburo chief Mussa Abu Marzuk used Al-Jazeera television to rally another popular Palestinian uprising.

"The intifada must enjoy the participation of all of Palestinian society," he said. "Every Palestinian should rise up... against the forces of the (Israeli) occupation."

In the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, thousands of people took to the streets, chanting: "With our blood, with our souls, we sacrifice for you, Jerusalem."

The postponing of Mitchell’s visit comes amid the most severe diplomatic row in decades between Israel and the United States, which has been struggling to revive peace talks.

Palestinians are angry over Israel's announcement last week of plans to build 1,600 new homes for Jewish settlers in east Jerusalem.

The reopening of a twice-destroyed Hurva synagogue in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem's walled Old City on Monday further fuelled tensions.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States remained committed to reviving peace talks, while UN chief Ban Ki-moon called for restraint from both sides and reiterated that Jerusalem's status should be decided by negotiations.

Earlier this month, the Palestinians had reluctantly agreed to hold indirect talks with Israel after a 14-month hiatus in negotiations.