More clashes in Jerusalem as Israeli police enter Al-Aqsa Mosque compound – National

Israeli police on Sunday entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Previous Metropolis to safe the best way for Jewish guests to the flashpoint holy web site, fueling clashes that left 17 Palestinians wounded, based on Palestinian medical staff.

The unrest occurred simply two days after clashes with Palestinians on the similar web site. Violence in Jerusalem between Israeli safety forces and Palestinian demonstrators a 12 months in the past escalated into an 11-day Gaza conflict.

The hilltop compound housing the mosque is the third-holiest web site in Islam, whereas it’s the holiest place for Jews, who discuss with it because the Temple Mount. The competing claims to the positioning have sparked quite a few rounds of violence.

This 12 months the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Christian holy week culminating in Easter Sunday and the week-long Jewish Passover are all occurring on the similar time, with tens of hundreds of tourists flocking to the town after coronavirus restrictions have been principally lifted.

Israeli police accused Palestinians of “defiling and desecrating” a holy web site, whereas Palestinian officers accused Israel of attempting to divide the delicate holy web site. “What occurred in Al-Aqsa Mosque is a harmful escalation, the repercussions of that are to be borne by the Israeli authorities alone,” stated Nabil Abu Rdeneh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Police stated they entered the compound to facilitate the routine go to of Jews to the holy web site. They stated Palestinians had stockpiled stones and arrange boundaries in anticipation of violence.

Omer Barlev, the Israeli minister answerable for the police, stated it was essential to make sure freedom of worship “however we is not going to compromise when violence and terror happen.”

The police cleared Palestinians out of the sprawling esplanade exterior the mosque itself early Sunday, whereas dozens of Palestinians remained contained in the constructing chanting “God is Best.” Video launched by police confirmed small teams of youths throwing stones, in addition to fireworks being fired from contained in the mosque.

Palestinians reported temporary clashes with Israeli police simply exterior the mosque compound, whereas police stated Palestinians had thrown stones at buses exterior the Previous Metropolis. Paramedics stated 5 individuals driving in buses acquired therapy for minor accidents within the assaults.

Police launched a video exhibiting a crowd of youths pelting a passing bus with stones simply exterior the Previous Metropolis. One other video from the police, taken inside one of many buses, confirmed Jewish households sitting on the ground of the car because it continued on its manner.

The Palestinian Crimson Crescent medical service stated 17 Palestinians had been wounded, together with 5 individuals who had been hospitalized. Israeli police reported 9 arrests. By noon, witnesses stated police had moved out of the compound.

Jordan, which serves as custodian of the holy web site, issued an announcement condemning Israel’s actions, saying they undermine “all efforts made to keep up the great calm and forestall the escalation of violence that threatens safety and peace.”

Underneath longtime understandings, Jews are allowed to go to the Temple Mount however are barred from praying there. For many years, Jews averted worship there for spiritual causes.

Israeli authorities say they’re dedicated to sustaining the established order, however lately giant teams of nationalist and spiritual Jews have frequently visited the positioning with police escorts, one thing the Palestinians view as a provocation. The variety of guests usually rises throughout spiritual holidays. Palestinian officers stated practically 550 Jewish guests entered the compound, in comparison with just some dozen on most days.

Such practices have fueled issues amongst Palestinians that Israel is plotting to take over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound or partition it. Israel strongly denies such claims, saying it’s dedicated to defending freedom of worship for all.

Clashes erupted on the web site earlier than daybreak on Friday after police stated Palestinians had hurled stones towards the Western Wall, an adjoining Jewish holy web site. Police entered in drive and clashed with dozens of Palestinians shortly after daybreak prayers.

Israel captured east Jerusalem, which incorporates the Previous Metropolis, together with the West Financial institution and Gaza within the 1967 conflict. The Palestinians desire a future state in all three territories. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a transfer not acknowledged internationally and is constructing and increasing settlements within the occupied West Financial institution. Hamas controls Gaza, which has been below an Israeli and Egyptian blockade because the Islamic militant group seized energy there in 2007.

A radical Jewish group lately referred to as on individuals to carry animals to the positioning with a purpose to sacrifice them for Passover, providing money rewards for many who succeeded and even tried. Israeli police work to forestall such actions, however the name was extensively circulated by Palestinians on social media, together with requires Muslims to forestall any sacrifices from happening.

Israeli police accused Palestinians of spreading disinformation on social media, heightening the tensions.