Israelis and Israeli interests came under attack Friday, even as authorities braced for expected protests following following the death of a Palestinian minister during a confrontation with Israeli security forces.
In Athens, gunmen fired shots at the Israeli embassy. No one was injured in the overnight attack in Greece, which Israeli authorities blamed on Palestinian "incitement."
In an incident in the Israeli-occupied West Bank later in the day, a Palestinian man threw what is believed to be acid on an Israeli family. Four children were said to be injured.
Jerusalem has recently seen a wave of unrest, including regular protests, clashes and occasional small-scale but deadly attacks by Palestinians on civilians and official targets in Israel.
Violent Reaction to the Death of a Palestinian Minister
Authorities boosted the police presence in the city, fearing that protests could escalate following midday prayers. Public anger simmers over the death of Palestinian minister Ziad Abu Ain.
The 55-year-old Cabinet minister died following a scuffle with Israeli troops during a protest Wednesday, though there is a dispute over what exactly led to this death.
Video showed Israeli troops pushed Abu Ain by the neck and chest and also fired tear gas in the area. In subsequent interviews with media, he was short of breath and later collapsed.
Palestinian doctors said Thursday that an autopsy showed he died from being struck, inhaling tear gas and a lack of medical attention. Israeli officials say a heart attack caused his death.
There were minor clashes Thursday between Israeli security forces and Palestinians following Abu Ain's funeral in the West Bank. Israel Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner said the military is investigating what happened.
