Dozens of people were injured in clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Friday morning.
4:52 pm, April 15, 2022
×
tagged article
You can access articles saved in your reading list at any time. You can access your reading list directly through page navigation.
Read more To the reading list
Facebook
twitter
Whatsapp
© APA/AFP/AHMAD GHARABLI
The number of people injured in clashes between Israeli and Palestinian security forces on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem has risen to more than 150. According to Israeli police, violence broke out on Friday morning, after morning prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque had ended. Palestinians threw stones and set off fireworks. About 100 protesters were among about 12,000 believers, it was said.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that 152 Palestinians were injured when Israeli security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets. According to the media, three Israeli police officers were also injured. Israeli news website Haaretz reported that after the clashes ended, police arrested dozens of Palestinians inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Palestinian protesters Photo © (c) APA/AFP/JAAFAR ASHTIYEH (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH)
The United Nations called on both sides to reduce the escalation. UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation. “I urge those responsible on both sides to calm the situation immediately and avoid further provocation by radical actors.” the diplomat said in a statement.
The EU had already reacted with concern to the clashes. “Violence must stop immediately”, a spokesperson for the EU’s foreign service said on Friday. More civilian casualties must be avoided and the status quo of holy sites must be fully respected. The EU reiterates the call on all parties to seek de-escalation.
Tens of thousands of Muslims are expected in the Old City of Jerusalem
Tens of thousands of Muslims were expected in Jerusalem’s Old City for Friday prayers to pray at the Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif) during the Muslim fasting month, Ramadan. This is sacred to Muslims and Jews. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. The Jewish Passover feast, which will also attract worshipers and visitors, also starts on Friday night. The Ministry of Tourism expects a total of 30,000 foreign tourists this week alone.
Also, despite a bloody wave of terror in Israel, thousands of Christians want to reenact Jesus’ Way of the Cross in Jerusalem on Good Friday. A massive police presence is expected, especially in the old town. The security situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories is extremely tense: 14 people have been killed in four attacks in Israel in recent weeks.