Israel erects wall in wake of recent attacks

(Vatican Radio) On Sunday, a Palestinian gunman killed a soldier and wounded 11 other people at a central bus station in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, while Israeli authorities erect a concrete wall in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber.

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In one of the most serious Palestinian attacks against Israelis during this month’s increase in violence, police said the attacker was shot dead after a prolonged gun battle.

A number of the wounded were police officers. Hospital authorities said two victims were in a critical condition.

Dozens of Palestinians and several Israelis have died in the recent violence, which was partly triggered by Palestinians’ anger over what they view as increased Jewish encroachment on Jersualem’s al-Aqsa mosque compound.

Earlier on Sunday, Israel erected a concrete barrier along a street that borders Palestinian and Jewish neighborhoods. Police said the wall, about 10 meters in length,  was intended to stop petrol bombs and other missiles being thrown at Jewish apartments.

As they struggle to calm public fears, several Israeli cities, including the capital Tel Aviv, have temporarily banned Arab workers from their schools. Israel’s cabinet has also widened police stop-and-search powers, which will effectively allow them to search anyone on the street.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet US Secretary of State John Kerry in the coming week as part of efforts by Washington to restore peace. Kerry also plans to hold talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.