Hundreds of Arabs rioted Thursday afternoon outside the gates of Ofer Prison, near road 443, outside Jerusalem. They were part of some 1,000 Arabs who marched from the nearby village of Beitounia, demanding that Israel release Arab terrorists being held in Israeli prisons.

Arabs were throwing stones and bricks at Israeli security officials, who were trying to keep the rioters under control. IDF units were surrounding the riot area in an effort to prevent the marchers from advancing on road 443.

Sporadic rock throwing has been taking place since the morning hours. Earlier, an Israeli reporter for Channel One was injured from rocks thrown by rioters. Reports Thursday afternoon said that a second journalist had been injured. Both were taken to hospitals in Jerusalem for treatment.

The rioters say they are protesting in solidarity with terrorists imprisoned in Israeli jails, who are conducting a hunger strike. The rioters are led by a terrorist released in the deal to free Gilad Shalit, Samar Issawi. The riot and march were organized by the Palestinian Authority minister for prisoners.

A major march in support of the terrorists is planned for Saturday in Nazareth. Other smaller marches are set to take place in Palestinian Authority-controlled cities