There was a clash between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque premises in Israel’s occupied East Jerusalem. The clashes took place on Friday morning, local time in the second week of the holy month of Ramadan. News from AFP and Reuters.
The Aqsa Mosque or Baitul Muqaddas is considered the third holiest place for Muslims around the world. And to the Jews it is known as Temple Mount. They also consider it as one of their holy places. This holy mosque is at the root of the years-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A member of the Palestinian Red Crescent told the French news agency AFP that seven injured people had been hospitalized for treatment. Israeli police claim that a group of people were throwing stones at the premises of the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque. Police entered al-Aqsa Mosque premises to disperse them.
Witnesses say members of the Israeli security forces fired rubber bullets at Palestinian protesters. Palestinian protesters also hurled stones at Israeli security forces.
Last year, during the month of Ramadan, there were clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians on the grounds of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Hamas, a Gaza militant group, has been fighting Israeli forces for 11 days. Israel and Jordan have intensified talks before the start of Ramadan this year in an effort to prevent such attacks. It should be noted that Jordan is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the holy places in Jerusalem. Fourteen people have been killed in four attacks in Israel since March 22. During that time, 21 Palestinians were killed. Following these attacks, Israel intensified operations in the West Bank. The Palestinian Ministry of Health says two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike early Thursday.
The other day, three other Palestinians were killed on Wednesday.
