As Talks Stall, Violence Flares in East Jerusalem

Unrest rippled through East Jerusalem today after the fatal shooting of a Palestinian man, the LA Times reports. It comes amid stalled progress on the new round of peace talks. The shooting by a private security guard employed by Jewish residents in a majority-Arab area provided the spark for clashes between youths and Israeli police. At least 12 people were injured.

Palestinian leaders claim Israel is escalating the situation to distract attention from the peace talks, but Israeli police said there was "no connection whatsoever." The violence comes a few days ahead of a crucial deadline: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has threatened to leave the talks unless Israel agrees to extend its building moratorium in the settlements after Sept. 26.