On Friday in East Jerusalem, there were dueling demonstrations as leftists protested construction in a Palestinian area and ultra-Orthodox Jews stoned cars.

Ynetnews. com has reported that about 300 people gathered for the weekly demonstration in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. This week's rally had a broader target, Dov Khenin, a member of the Knesset, or parliament, said.

The group, who use the slogan "There is nothing holy in an occupied city," marched to the Shepherd Hotel, which has been granted a permit to expand.

Khenin further said, "This is a government move to create an Israeli settlement in the heart of a Palestinian neighborhood in east Jerusalem. This is a dangerous move that works against the possibility of two capitals in Jerusalem
-- and without this principle we cannot reach a peace agreement."

Jerusalem was a divided city until the 1967 war when Israel acquired East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinians hope East Jerusalem will eventually be the capital of an independent state.

Cars were stoned by ultra-Orthodox Jews later on Friday. Several vehicles were also damaged. (With Inputs from Agencies)