Israeli police on Sunday entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City to secure the way for Jewish visitors to the flashpoint holy site, fueling clashes that left 17 Palestinians wounded, according to Palestinian medical workers.
Israeli police is deployed in the Old City of Jerusalem, Sunday, April 17, 2022. Israeli police clashed with Palestinians outside Al-Aqsa Mosque after police cleared Palestinians from the sprawling compound to facilitate the routine visit of Jews to the holy site and accused Palestinians of stockpiling stones in anticipation of violence.
This year the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Christian holy week culminating in Easter Sunday and the week-long Jewish Passover are all occurring at the same time, with tens of thousands of visitors flocking to the city after coronavirus restrictions have been mostly lifted. Omer Barlev, the Israeli minister in charge of the police, said it was important to ensure freedom of worship “but we will not compromise when violence and terror take place.”
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ordered additional security on public buses going to the Old City after a situation assessment with top defense officials. Jordan, which serves as custodian of the holy site, issued a statement condemning Israel’s actions, saying they undermine “all efforts made to maintain the comprehensive calm and prevent the escalation of violence that threatens security and peace.”
Such practices have fueled concerns among Palestinians that Israel is plotting to take over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound or partition it. Israel strongly denies such claims, saying it is committed to protecting freedom of worship for all.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Palestinians clash with Israeli police at major holy site in JerusalemMedics said more than 150 Palestinians were wounded in the most serious violence at the site in nearly a year.
Read more »
Palestinians clash with Israeli police at major holy sitePalestinians have clashed with Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a major holy site in Jerusalem.
Read more »
Scores hurt as Palestinians clash with Israeli police at major Jerusalem holy siteMedics said more than 150 Palestinians were wounded in the most serious violence at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem in nearly a year.
Read more »
Palestinians clash with Israeli police at major holy site in JerusalemMedics said more than 150 Palestinians were wounded in the most serious violence at the site in nearly a year.
Read more »