Palestinian groups say Jerusalem explosions ‘natural response’

By Nour Abu Eisha
GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – Palestinian factions termed Wednesday’s explosions in West Jerusalem as a “natural response” to Israeli violations against Palestinians.
An Israeli was killed and 19 others were injured in two explosions near bus stations in West Jerusalem early Wednesday.
Police blamed the first blast on an explosive device and there was no claim of responsibility from any Palestinian group.
In a statement, Hamas group said the explosions were “the result of crimes committed by the [Israeli] occupation and settlers.”
“The Zionist occupation pays the price for its crimes and aggression against our people and Al-Aqsa Mosque,” group spokesman Abdel Latif Qanoua said.
Islamic Jihad group said the blasts “send a message to the occupation leaders and settlers that the policy of your government will not protect you.”
The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) echoed a similar response, saying the Israeli practices “meant to terrorize the Palestinians.”
The Popular Resistance Committees also termed the explosions as a “new slap to the Israeli security and military regime.
Tension has been running high across the West Bank in recent weeks amid repeated Israeli raids to detain what they say "wanted Palestinians" or to demolish Palestinian homes. The raids spark clashes with Palestinians, causing several fatalities.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar