Abbas warns of intifada risk after Jerusalem clashes

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas warned on Sept.22 of the risk of a new intifada after clashes last week at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and with tensions rising as Jews and Muslims celebrate major religious holidays.

Abbas's comments after meeting French President Francois Hollande in Paris came with peace efforts at a standstill for more than a year and a recent poll showing a majority of Palestinians support a return to an armed uprising.
 
"What is happening is very dangerous," Abbas said, while warning against "an intifada (uprising) which we don't want".
 
The Palestinian leader, whose recent moves have stirred speculation over whether he intends to step down soon, plans to travel to Russia after Paris as he seeks to rally support before his upcoming speech at the UN General Assembly.
 
Jerusalem was calm on Sept.22 but under tight security, with thousands of police officers deployed and authorities closing off the city to residents of the occupied West Bank.
 
Unrest however hit the flashpoint Hebron area in the southern West Bank, with Israeli forces shooting a Palestinian woman who allegedly tried to stab a soldier. The 18-year-old later died from her wounds, her father said.
 
Overnight in the village of Dura near Hebron, another Palestinian was killed by an explosive device he intended to toss at a military vehicle, an Israeli military spokeswoman said. Residents provided a similar account.
 
Palestinian security officials however said he was shot dead by Israeli troops and named him as Dia al-Talahmeh, 21.
         
Hundreds later gathered for his funeral in the village while declaring him a "martyr," with his body wrapped in a flag for militant group Islamic Jihad.