Officials defuse tension in Jerusalem sparked by Ramadan clampdown; government has no strategy for de-escalation; Hamas exploits clashes with rockets from Gaza. ITTAY FLESCHER VIDEO: Jerusalem says no to violence
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After violent clashes, barricades removed at Jerusalem's Damascus Gate(Haaretz)
Decision to close off plaza during Ramadan, when it is one of the most popular areas for crowds to gather, led to protests that have been linked to wider unrest
Rockets fired from Gaza for third night in a row; no injuries or damage(Times of Israel)
Israel to restrict Gaza fishing zone in response to rockets as armed groups in coastal enclave continue to ramp up tensions
The Jerusalem butterfly effect: What Hamas stands to gain from Gaza rocket fire(Times of Israel)
AVI ISSACHAROFF: The terror group’s controlled escalation in the south sends a clear message to Israel over Jewish extremists’ actions in the capital, while bolstering its credentials internally
Jerusalem is on the brink of an explosion – and Israel has no leaders to prevent it(Haaretz)
ANSHEL PFEFFER: A juxtaposition of events has created a volatile situation in Jerusalem, with authorities unable or unwilling to stop an escalation
UAE condemns Jewish extremists violence in Jerusalem, calls for restraint(Times of Israel)
Rare condemnation of Israel since signing of peace deal comes after intense clashes between Palestinians and law enforcement in Jerusalem, as well as a far-right Jewish march
US ‘deeply concerned’ over Jerusalem violence, doesn’t single out either side(Times of Israel)
Embassy calls on ‘responsible voices to end incitement’ after violent clashes outside Old City between cops, Palestinians and far-right Jewish mob chanting ‘Death to Arabs’
Photo: People gather at the Damascus Gate plaza in Jerusalem on April 25 (Emil Salman)
