Jerusalem: Over a 100 Palestinians have been injured after Israeli police raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, Al Jazeera reported.
Tensions have been simmering in Jerusalem, with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coinciding with the Jewish celebration of Passover and Christianity’s Easter festival this year.
The publication said that the Islamic endowment that runs the site said Israeli police entered in force before dawn on Friday, as thousands of worshippers were gathered at the mosque for early morning prayers.
Videos circulating online showed Palestinians throwing rocks and police firing tear gas and stun grenades. Others showed worshippers barricading themselves inside the mosque amid what appeared to be clouds of tear gas.
The Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance service said it evacuated the majority of the wounded to hospitals, according to Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Palestinian media said dozens of injured worshippers remained trapped inside the compound as Israeli forces had hindered the arrival of ambulances and paramedics from reaching the mosque.
The Israeli raid is likely to incite violence as a large number of worshipers are expected today for Friday prayers. Hamas condemned the Israeli police and said Israel “bears responsibility for the consequences.” Web Desk
