Jerusalem - Ma’an - Clashes erupted after an Israeli man opened fire on gathered Palestinians near the Silwan neighborhood adjacent to the Old City of Jerusalem.

Two Palestinians were taken to hospital, one in critical condition. Dozens of others were arrested as Israeli police and border guards mobilized in the area in an attempt to take control of the situation, which erupted into clashes when Israeli forces descended.

Israeli news sources said the injured men were 13 and 40-years-old, and identified the Israeli shooter as a 20-year-old man who said he was defending himself against a Palestinian attack.

According to the online Israeli news source Ynet, the youth told investigators that he "felt threatened by the fact that Arabs were standing next to him," and opened fire with a rifle he had on his person at the time. He was detained at the scene.

Palestinian youth threw stones at invading police and clashes lasted for half an hour.