The Palestinian street is abuzz over horrific images from Al-Aqsa Mosque showing an attempted lynch of an east Jerusalem resident suspected of working with Israeli authorities, and not all Palestinians object to the act. In fact, some feel that he deserves to die.
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The man, a resident of Wadi Joz, belongs to a large and well-known clan. He was accused of submitting information, pictures, and videos about events at the mosque to Israeli authorities. He denied it, but his family members turned their backs on him, fearing retribution.
Video: Social media
Residents of east Jerusalem say that there is a widespread sense of fear among the population.
"Today, everyone pulls out their phone and takes pictures. That's what the guy who was attacked did. In a situation like this, every one of us could become a target. It causes fear. A person filming video becomes a suspect, and now people are more frightened," on east Jerusalemite said.
There is concern that the attempted lynch on the Temple Mount will lead to attacks in which Palestinians who cooperate with Israel are killed.
"It's creating panic, mostly among people who were suspected or accused of helping Israel. This incident shows that they aren't protected. It happened in broad daylight, at a central location at Al-Aqsa, surrounded by [security] forces. People dared to attack him, film it, and publish it on social media. It projects weakness on the part of the Israeli authorities," another resident said.
Throughout the years, Palestinians accused of betrayal have been the targets of attacks of various kinds, including attempted abductions. In east Jerusalem, residents are saying that the past few months have seen increased calls to attack individuals suspected of collaborating with Israel.
"This is expressed in sermons at mosques, in posters, and sometimes even in graffiti. This incident has caused some people to waver about attending prayers for fear they will be targeted. You're there alone, surrounded by dozens of young people, and no one can save you," a resident said.
Older residents recall that since 1967, hundreds of Palestinians suspected of working with Israel have been murdered in Judea and Samaria, some in brutal fashion.
"It shows how bold the Jerusalem youth are. That guy is done – pictures of him beaten and humiliated have been disseminated everywhere. Now the internet is filling up with threats against potential collaborators, warning them of a similar fate," an east Jerusalem official said.
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