Clashes broke out Sunday morning between Israeli police and Palestinians at the Al Aqsa mosque compound, leaving more than 20 Palestinians injured and damaging the windows and carpet of the mosque, according to police and Palestinian officials.Still more.
The violence occurred after Israeli police allowed Jewish worshipers and tourists to visit the hilltop compound in Jerusalem’s Old City, revered by Muslims as their third holiest site after Mecca and Medina and by Jews as the site of their ancient temple.
Palestinians were preparing to disrupt attempts by the Jewish visitors to hold prayers at the compound to mark the impending Jewish New Year, which began at sunset Sunday. Israeli policies allow Jews to visit the area outside the mosque during specific hours, but forbid them to pray there.
Police had recently shut down the mosque to Muslim worshipers, mainly women, during the Jewish visiting hours to prevent confrontations.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Palestinian protesters barricaded themselves inside the mosque early Sunday and threw rocks and firecrackers at police. He said police did not enter the mosque but removed barricades around the building.
There also were reports of a Jewish man in a prayer shawl being attacked nearby.
Police released video showing lit firecrackers and other objects being thrown by Palestinians inside the mosque at the officers outside, with some exploding within the holy site. The Jerusalem police website said pipe bombs were seized near the entrance to the mosque.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said 20 Palestinians were injured, none seriously. No arrests were reported...
Plus, at the Times of Israel, "Abbas decries Israel’s ‘attack’ on al-Aqsa mosque."
Well of course he's going to complain. The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades is the leading Palestinian terrorist organization, a tool of both Fatah and the PLO. Next he'll be running to the United Nations about human rights abuses, or something.
More video here, "State of Palestine: Israeli security forces raid Al-Aqsa Mosque for second day running."
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