A strike has been called by the Palestinian Authority in Bethlehem in protest at Israel's move to claim two West Bank shrines as heritage sites.
Businesses, schools and universities remained closed as people observed the first day of the three-day walk-out.
Local TV stations broadcast the PA's call following Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's addition of the shrines to Israel's heritage list at the weekend.
The PA also called for a rally to be held on Friday in Bethlehem.
Israel's prime minister announced on Sunday that Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem and the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron would be included in an Israeli-funded $107m (£69m) restoration plan.
Bethlehem residents said businesses were shuttered and universities and schools empty as the strike began.
Staffs at Bethlehem University were told on Monday not to report for work for three days because of the strike.
Separation
Rachel, the biblical matriarch holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, is believed to be buried in a tomb near the entrance to Bethlehem.
Some Muslims say the tomb is also a mosque.
The shrine is on the Israeli side of the separation barrier. The Israelis say this is for security reasons, but Palestinians say it constitutes a land grab, illegal under international law.
http://newageislam.com/west-bank-strike-over-israeli-tomb-heritage-claim/islamic-world-news/d/2495
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4:30 AM
Moderate Islamist here
