Palestinians & Israel Police Clash in Jerusalem
Palestinian worshippers clashed with Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, a major holy site sacred to Muslims and Jews.
At the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Israel blocked off a popular gathering spot where Palestinians traditionally socialize at the end of their daylong fast. After this there have been clashes between the Palenstinians and the Israeli police. 7th May evening, large numbers of Israeli police was deployed as Palestinian worshippers were holding evening prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem. The Al-Aqsa mosque compound is the third holiest site sacred to Muslims after Mecca and Madina. The same place is also very sacred to the Jews. Suddenly there was a clash between the Palestinian worshippers & the Israeli police. It was unclear what sparked the violence, but videos circulating online showed worshippers throwing chairs, shoes and rocks at the Israeli police, who fired stun grenades and rubber-coated bullets to disperse them. More than 200 people were wounded in the clash.
The Israeli police said protesters hurled stones, fireworks and other objects at them. It wounded six officers who required medical treatment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the police actions and said, "Israel is acting responsibly to ensure respect for law and order in Jerusalem while allowing freedom of worship.” Many countries like the United States, European Union, Russia etc called on the authorities to act urgently to de-escalate the current tensions. Turkey and Iran called on the United Nations to intervene to stop the persecution. Jordan condemned Israel's "barbaric attack". Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, Pakistan and Qatar were among Muslim countries that blasted Israeli forces for the confrontation.
