The Arab town of Nazareth remained under curfew today following clashes between Moslem and Christian Arab youths yesterday. The curfew was imposed last night by Israeli authorities at the request of the Arab Mayor of Nazareth and other town notables, including Catholic Bishop Hakim.
The curfew was lifted this afternoon for two hours only in order to enable the inhabitants to buy food. It was re-imposed after the two hours were over. Jewish and Arab police are patroling the deserted streets. A number of curfew breakers were arrested and fined today.
Tension in town is still high and the police as well as the leaders of the Moslem and Christian communities pray for the recovery of the 47-year-old Moslem resident who was severely injured during the clashes and is now in a Nazareth hospital. It is feared that should the wounded man die, the situation may get out of hand.
The disturbances yesterday began when Moslem youngsters insulted and attacked Christian-Arab Boy Scouts in the Catholic Church in Nazareth. Police units were rushed to the church to prevent further trouble. In anticipation of new difficulties, police reinforcements were pouring into Nazareth today, while all Israeli military personnel have been ordered out of the town to prevent their becoming involved in any further outbursts.
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