At least 75 Palestinians were injured when Israeli security forces stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Friday morning, Palestinian medics said, in the latest attack by Israel on the Muslim holy site during the month of Ramadan.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance service, 14 Palestinians were taken to the hospital, and three had serious injuries.
Witnesses said police entered the compound after the morning prayers and fired rubber bullets and stun grenades at a crowd of about 200 Palestinians, some of whom threw rocks.
Police also fired rubber bullets from a close range at a group of journalists documenting the clashes, the witnesses said. One photographer, Ali Yassin, was shot in the throat.
Jewish extremists who wish to build a temple at the site of the mosque, backed by Israeli security forces, have stormed the Al-Aqsa courtyard several times over the past week, leading to daily clashes.
Muslims attend the mosque in increasing numbers during the final 10 days of Ramadan, and an Israeli official said that Jews will be prevented from entering the site at this time.
However, Palestinians accuse Israel of attacking worshippers and allowing Jewish extremists to enter the mosque compound on a regular basis.
The New Arab is providing live updates of what’s been happening on the ground and additional analysis.
