Israel sees Palestinian attacks ‘waning’; one killed in West Bank

Sweden Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom has been blocked from going to Israel after controversial comments.

At least another two injuries were reported during the clashes which erupted between unarmed Palestinian protesters and Israeli Forces on east of al-Bureij.

The Tel Aviv regime has also increased the number of illegal arbitrary detentions of Palestinians, accusing them of contemplating plans to attack Israeli troops and settler units.

Sweden’s relations with Israel have been strained since the Social Democratic-led government in 2014 recognized Palestinian statehood, and Wallstrom’s comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have elicited angry responses from Israeli officials.

In that time, 26 Israelis have been killed in stabbing, shooting or car-ramming attacks by Palestinians or Israeli-Arabs. “The State of Israel is closing its doors to official Swedish visits.” An Israeli spokesman later clarified that the move did not apply to all Swedish officials, just the foreign minister.

Israel has been at odds with the European Union over its decision to require labeling of exports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

On Tuesday, Wallstrom called for an investigation into allegations that Israeli forces have carried out “extrajudicial killings” in clashes with Palestinians.

According to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry, three Palestinians were injured by Israeli gunfire and 17 by rubber bullets, while dozens of others suffered temporary asphyxia as a result of teargas. “I said we have to figure out a way to resolve and set things on the right course”, he said.

Israel’s military said that Palestinians rushed the Gaza border and tried to damage the security fence.

She earlier described the Palestinians’ plight as a factor leading to Islamist radicalization – comments seen in Israel as linking it to the November gun and bomb rampage in Paris.

Wallstrom made similar statements regarding “unlawful killings” of Palestinians last month, with the Israeli Foreign Ministry replying the claim is “scandalous”. The remarks followed a warning by a senior Yaalon adviser that the U.S.-backed Palestinian administration, which quietly coordinates West Bank security efforts with Israel despite the diplomatic impasse between the sides, might change course.