Palestinians attack cars of the United States Consulate in the West Bank city of Beit Jala, May 21, 2018. (Wisam Hashlamoun/Flash90)
A small crowd of Palestinian protesters in the West Bank on Monday pelted an American diplomatic vehicle with eggs to protest the recent move of the US Embassy to Jerusalem.
The incident in Beit Jala drew an angry American response and deepened a crisis in relations that has followed the US Embassy decision.
The State Department said the diplomats were on a visit to “promote educational and cultural exchange” in the West Bank, when they were accosted.
“The objective was clearly intimidation. The United States absolutely opposes the use of violence and intimidation to express political views,” the statement said.
The protesters gathered as members of the delegation from the US Consulate in Jerusalem walked to their vehicle. The crowd held signs and shouted at the Americans, before throwing eggs at their car as they drove away. No one was injured.
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Palestinians attack cars of the United States Consulate in the West Bank city of Beit Jala, May 21, 2018. (Wisam Hashlamoun/Flash90)
“We are here to say to the American Embassy, ‘No we don’t need you. Leave Palestine and leave Jerusalem and leave the embassy,'” said Palestinian protester Muhannad al-Said.
The incident came just one week after the US embassy to Israel was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
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