Palestinian negotiators called off a planned round of peace talks on Monday after Israeli soldiers killed three protesters during clashes following an arrest raid in the West Bank, officials said.
The violence dealt a blow to U.S.-led peace efforts, which resumed last month after a five-year break. Monday’s clashes broke out when Israeli forces entered the Qalandia refugee camp, just outside of Jerusalem, on an overnight arrest raid.
Shai Hakimi, a spokesman for the paramilitary border police, said hundreds of Palestinians poured into the streets and hurled firebombs, concrete blocks and rocks at officers.
The Israeli military said soldiers rushed to the scene to provide backup and opened fire after they felt their lives were in “imminent danger”.
The violence drew fierce Palestinian condemnations. Shortly afterward, Palestinian officials said that a planned round of peace talks had been called off. They said the Palestinians were protesting the day’s violence.
