[08/March/2010]

GAZA, March 8 (Saba) -- An Israeli intelligence officer claimed that Hamas was behind the recent confrontation in occupied Jerusalem city, the Israeli radio said on Monday, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

The Israeli radio said that officer, who did not identity himself, was quoted as saying that Hamas was flaming the confrontation in Al-Quds.

In recent days, Yitzhak Aharonovitch, the Israeli Minister of Public Security said that Hamas instigated the clashes, saying "I accuse the Palestinians, including Hamas operatives, of inciting the situation." Recently, heavy clashes occurred in the West Bank and Jerusalem city, particularly after Israel announced plans to seize more Islamic heritage sites in the occupied territories.

Israeli extremists were also involved in the clashes.

In the past 10 days, Prime Minister of the Palestinian government in Gaza Ismail Haniya called on the Palestinians to hold another "Intifada" to confront Israeli settlement and confiscation plans.

Saba