Tensions have risen in recent weeks after a series of deadly attacks by Palestinians that killed 14 people inside Israel.
Tensions have risen in recent weeks after a series of deadly attacks by Palestinians that killed 14 people inside Israel.
In the early hours of Friday, April 15, 2022, clashes broke out between Israeli police and Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a major holy site in Jerusalem, and doctors said at least 20 Palestinians were injured.
It was not immediately clear what led to the violence. The Islamic Endowment, which operates the site, said Israeli police entered the force shortly after the morning prayers, when thousands of worshipers were in the mosque.
Videos circulating online showed Palestinians throwing stones and police firing tear gas and subliminal grenades.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Emergency Service said it had taken 20 injured people to hospitals. The endowment said a guard at the site was shot in the eye with a rubber bullet.
The mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. It is built on top of a hill which is the holiest site for Jews, who call it Temple Mount. It has been a major flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian violence for decades.
Tensions have risen in recent weeks Following a series of deadly attacks by the Palestinians, in which 14 people were killed inside Israel. Israel has launched a wave of arrests and military operations in the occupied West Bank, which have killed many Palestinians.
Thousands of Palestinians were expected to gather in al-Aqsa for Friday prayers, as Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan.
Weeks of protests and clashes in Jerusalem during Ramadan last year eventually ignited the 11-day Gaza War.