Conflict flares at mosque complex

LONDON: Israeli security forces used tear gas as they clashed with Palestinian “stone throwers” at the al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem yesterday.

Police said they closed the doors to lock in rioters throwing stones, fireworks and other objects, according to the BBC.

The conflict later continued outside the mosque complex, as the police fired tear gas and stun grenades.

The incident occurred just hours before the start of the Jewish New Year.

The mosque is considered one of Islam’s holiest sites, and is also in the Temple Mount site revered by Jews.

It has been a source of religious and political tension between Israel and the Palestinians, and a frequent flashpoint for violence.

Last week, Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon outlawed two Muslim groups that confronted Jewish visitors to the compound. He said the ban was necessary to “defend the security of the state, the wellbeing of the public and public order”.

According to police, the rioters barricaded themselves in the mosque overnight on Saturday with the aim of disrupting Jewish visits to the site before the start of new year celebrations last night.

“Masked protesters who were inside the mosque threw stones and fireworks at police,” a police statement said.

“Suspect pipes that could be filled with home-made explosives were also found at the entry to the mosque.”

Last week, Israeli soldiers prevented more than 40 Palestinian women from entering the al-Aqsa mosque. When Israeli forces tried to detain one of the women, Palestinian worshippers repelled the attack. – The Independent