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Palestinians Clash With Israeli Soldiers at Holy Site After Security Measures Lifted

By Robert Berger July 27, 2017

Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers clashed Thursday outside a revered holy site in the Old City within Jerusalem after Israel removed the final elements of security measures it installed there earlier this month.

Palestinians threw rocks at Israeli police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, as they were stationed at the gates to the site, Israeli police said.

According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, at least 37 Palestinians were hurt in the confrontation, including some who were hit by rubber bullets or beaten. Several of those injured suffered broken bones, the group said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had called on Muslims to return to the Mosque of Al-Aqsa to pray, after Israel dismantled the last of controversial new security measures that were set up two weeks ago.

After Arab gunmen fatally shot two Israeli police officers, Israel installed metal detectors, security cameras and railings at the site, located on a compound known to Jews as the Temple Mount. The measures, however, sparked Palestinian riots.

Palestinians described the measures as humiliating to Muslims and accused Israel of trying to seize control of the third holiest place in Islam. They refused to enter the mosque through Israeli security and held tense prayer protests on the streets.

Mohammed Hussein, the mufti or Muslim spiritual leader of Jerusalem, said Israel's removal of the security devices is satisfactory. Islamic leaders declared victory, saying the Israeli occupation could not break the will of the Palestinian people.

On Friday, tens of thousands of Palestinians are expected to gather at the Al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers on the Muslim Sabbath. Thousands of Israeli police and soldiers will be deployed to keep order.

Jerusalem Police Chief Yoram Halevy urged Palestinians to keep the peace, warning that there will be a harsh response to any outbreak of violence.