At least two Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israel Defense Forces, as thousands of demonstrators marched from Ramallah to Jerusalem – the largest such protest in the West Bank in many years.  Dozens of people were hurt, at least seven of them seriously.

Two Israeli cops were hurt by people throwing stones from the Temple Mount.  Clashes were reported at all of the major landmarks and checkpoints.  Thousands of police are deployed in Jerusalem as official expect even more violence through the end of Friday prayers.  They’re also concerned about the end of Ramadan coinciding with the increasing violence in Gaza.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon are pursuing a diplomatic solution to the Gaza Crisis.  Kerry is proposing a two-stage plan:  First, all fighting stops on Sunday for a weeklong truce; Second, Palestinian and Israeli officials would begin negotiations on the principal economic, political and security concerns about Gaza.  Hamas and Israel’s cabinet have yet to endorse the idea.