(Jerusalem) -- A "day of rage" declared by Hamas lived up to its name Tuesday as dozens of Palestinians clashed with Israeli police in East Jerusalem. The anger was directed at Israel's consecration of an ancient synagogue in the city. Several areas of East Jerusalem experienced the violence as Palestinians tossed stones at police and burned tires and trash bins. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Approximately 40 Palestinians were treated at hospitals for minor injuries and two policemen were injured. Hamas leaders condemned the renovation of the Hurva synagogue as an Israeli plot to demolish the nearby al-Aqsa mosque. Israel denies the allegation.
The U.S. State Department has called for calm. The violence is another hurdle in U.S. efforts to get Middle East peace talks going again. Earlier, Israel angered Palestinians and became embroiled in a dispute with the U.S. by announcing a Jewish settlement project near East Jerusalem. U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell cancelled travel plans to the region today after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared he would not stop construction.
