Israel backs down on Al Aqsa security
occupied jerusalem — Thousands of Muslim worshippers rushed to pray at occupied Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque in chaotic scenes on Thursday after Israel backed down in the face of 10 days of often-violent unrest and removed security measures it had installed at the sacred site.
At least 37 Palestinians were injured as Israeli security forces used sound bombs to control crowds of worshippers surging forth once the last gate Muslims are allowed to use to enter Al Aqsa was opened after a stand-off of several hours.
Israel’s removal of the security measures marked a significant climbdown by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Palestinians celebrated, political opponents accused him of weakness.
Netanyahu’s decision followed days of diplomatic effort by the United Nations, the involvement of President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy and pressure from countries in the region, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The dispute began after Israel installed metal detectors at Muslim entrances to Al Aqsa compound following the July 14 killing of two Israeli policemen by Arab gunmen who had allegedly concealed weapons inside the walled plaza.
The unannounced move provoked days of unrest, with violent clashes. Israeli forces shot dead four Palestinians, and a Palestinian man stabbed and killed three Israelis in their home in the occupied West Bank. —
occupied jerusalem — Clashes erupted between Israeli police and Palestinians on the Haram Al Sharif compound on Thursday as thousands of worshippers entered to end a boycott of the compound over new Israeli security measures.
A correspondent witnessed the clashes break out shortly after the worshippers entered.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported 56 people wounded both inside the Haram Al Sharif compound and in the immediate area.
Outside, clashes in one area erupted when a group of policemen walked in the middle of a crowd. Palestinians threw plastic bottles and Israeli forces fired stun grenades.
“Upon the entry of worshippers into the Haram Al Sharif compound, some began throwing stones at officers,” Israeli police said in a statement.
“A police force at the site pushed back those disrupting the orders using riot dispersal means. An officer was hit by a stone on his head. He was treated at the site.”
Thousands of worshippers had earlier streamed into the compound for afternoon prayers for the first time in two weeks, ending a boycott after Israel removed controversial new security measures. The site includes the Al Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
Some cried as they entered while others chanted “Allahu Akbar” (God is Greatest). Some brought their children in what was initially a celebratory atmosphere.
Muslims had in previous days refused to enter the compound and prayed in the streets outside after Israel installed the new security measures.
After intensive international diplomacy, Israel removed the metal detectors on Tuesday.
Newly installed railings and scaffolding where cameras were previously mounted were also removed early on Thursday. Police said on Thursday that all new security measures had been taken away.
In the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, crowds of Palestinians gathered at the entrance of the site to celebrate, with whistling and constant horns from cars.
Young men set off firecrackers as Israeli forces watched closely.
Firas Abasi said he felt like crying over the “victory”.
“For 12 days no one has slept, no one has done anything except the Al Aqsa mosque,” he said. —AFP