PALESTINIAN youth claimed a victory against the Israeli occupying forces in East Jerusalem on Sunday night as barriers were removed from the Damascus Gate after days of far-right Israeli violence.

Cheers erupted as thousands gathered at the entrance to the Old City, where access had been blocked by Israeli security forces, preventing Palestinians from praying there during the holy month of Ramadan.

Fatah spokesman Hussein Hamayel said the victory “proved the strength and composure of our great people against Israel, its military and its settlers.”

Speaking from the besieged Gaza Strip, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem praised those who resisted. “The youth of Jerusalem forced the occupation to remove the checkpoints,” he said.

Israel insisted it removed the barricades after consultation with religious leaders in a bid to relieve tensions.

But it has been condemned as the aggressor, allowing the far-right Lehava group to march into East Jerusalem, chanting “Death to Arabs” and “Arabs out.” Israeli security forces instead attacked Palestinians, with hundreds injured and scores detained.