The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Clashes, tension flare at sacred site in Jerusalem
Palestinian crowds battle with Israeli police at mosque.
JERUSALEM — Violence returned Thursday to a sacred site in Jerusalem as Palestinians gathering for prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound clashed with Israeli police nearly two weeks after a deadly attack there.
Earlier in the day, Palestinians had celebrated as Israel rolled back security measures and thousands of worshippers heeded a call by Muslim authorities to assemble for prayers at the mosque for the first time in 11 days.
But as crowds pushed at one of the gates to the compound in the Old City, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them, reportedly wounding dozens.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered police reinforcements in Jerusalem following the latest unrest, and police were weighing limiting entry of younger men in anticipation of mass protests for today’s Friday prayers — the highlight of the Muslim religious week.
Israeli troops in the West Bank were put on high alert and prepared for more violence, a military official said.
Tensions have been running high at the site sacred to both Muslims and Jews since three Israeli Arab gunmen killed two police officers on July 14, prompting Israel to install metal detectors and other security devices.
Israel said the measures were needed to prevent more attacks. Palestinians claimed Israel was trying to expand its control over the site, which Israel denied.
The security measures outraged Muslims and triggered protests, and low-level clashes have continued in and around Jerusalem since then, highlighting the deep distrust between Israel and the Palestinians.
In protest, Palestinians have prayed in Jerusalem’s
streets outside the shrine since the July 14 attack. Israel removed the devices Thursday and the crisis appeared to be easing until the melee at the gates.
Just before worship began, police shot tear gas and rubber bullets at the massing crowd. The Red Crescent said tensions rose as Israeli troops closed one of the gates to the compound as large numbers of worshippers tried to enter, and that 96 people were wounded. Police said officers were struck by stones and responded with riot dispersal methods, and a spokesman said at least two officers were wounded.
The simmering crisis has sparked some of the worst street clashes in years and threatened to draw Israel into conflict with other Arab and Muslim nations.