Israeli settlers in Jerusalem assault 9 year old, parents say

Ma'an - A nine-year-old boy said he was beaten by Israelis affiliated with the Atarot Kohanim settler group in Jerusalem's Old City on Wednesday evening.

Anas Sa’ad Ash-Shaloudi said he was on his way to his uncle’s house for the fast-breaking iftar meal at sunset, and was assaulted by five men standing outside his uncle's home.

"They hit me on my head and I fell on the ground. They took off my shoes and started beating me on my back. I yelled for help," Anas told Ma'an.

He said relatives and an older brother came out of the home, located near the Al-Aqsa Mosque, to intervene, and police arrived to the scene shortly thereafter.

"The Israeli police came to protect the settlers," Anas said. He was accompanied by is 17-year-old brother to the Jaffa Gate police center and later taken to a clinic for treatment.

Representatives from the Israeli police could not be immediately reached for comment by phone.