The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza on Monday (April 1) said that after tanks and vehicles were withdrawn by the Israeli military from the Al-Shifa complex, dozens of bodies were discovered in the besieged territory's main hospital.

The operation on Al-Shifa hospital was launched by the Israeli Army on March 18 which was described as a "precise" one that targets Hamas militants, whom they accused of operating from the complex.

"Dozens of bodies, some of them decomposed, have been recovered from in and around the Al-Shifa medical complex," said the health ministry, in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
The Israeli military "withdrew from the Al-Shifa medical complex after burning down the complex buildings and putting it completely out of service", it added.

"The scale of the destruction inside the complex and the buildings around it is very large," it said.

<h2>Israeli airstrikes on Al-Aqsa hospital kill 4, fighting rages across Gaza amid truce talks</h2>

Four people were killed and 17 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on Al-Aqsa hospital in Gaza, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a post on X as United States prepares to send more bombs to Israel.

The airstrike was reported by a World Health Organization team which was present at the hospital to look into the needs and collect incubators required for the north of Gaza, Ghebreyesus wrote, adding, "WHO staff are all accounted for."

"A WHO team was on a humanitarian mission at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza when a tent camp inside the hospital compound was hit by an Israeli airstrike today. We again call for protection of patients, health personnel and humanitarian missions," he said.

"The ongoing attacks and militarisation of hospitals must stop. International humanitarian law must be respected," Ghebreyesus added.

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A <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> team was on a humanitarian mission at Al-Aqsa Hospital in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a>, when a tent camp inside the hospital compound was hit by an Israeli airstrike today. Four people were killed and 17 injured. WHO staff are all accounted for. 
 
The team was at the hospital assessing the needs…
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1774477221278765248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHO chief appealed to all the parties involved in the conflict to comply with the resolution of the UN Security Council which calls for a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, a fresh stock of bombs is being sent to Israel by the United States, confirmed two senior administration officials to NBC News.

The bombs, which are part of a weapons package that was approved long back, contain more than 1,800 Mark 84 (MK84) 2,000-pound bombs and approximately 500 Mark 82 (MK82) 500-pound bombs.

<h2>Fighting escalates in Gaza</h2>

In the past 24 hours, 77 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, said the health authorities on Sunday (Mar 31). The strikes were carried out at a time when an Israeli delegation was being hosted by Egypt to carry out a new round of truce talks with Hamas.&nbsp;

The Israeli military claimed that they had killed a senior Islamic Jihad militant while carrying out the strike on a command centre in the Al-Aqsa Hospital's courtyard in central Gaza.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-approve-operational-plans-on-rafah-says-netanyahu-706324">‘US pressure will not stop us,’ says Netanyahu as Israel approves ‘operational plans’ for action in Rafah</a>

"The command centre and terrorists were struck precisely," the military said, adding that the strike was intended to minimise "harm to uninvolved civilians in the area of the hospital".

"The Al-Aqsa Hospital building was not damaged and its functioning was not affected," it said.

<h2>Israel says Hezbollah commander 'eliminated' in Lebanon Strike</h2>

Israel's military claimed that they had "eliminated" a Hezbollah missile unit commander on Sunday (Mar 31) in an airstrike in Lebanon.

The Israeli Air Force "struck a vehicle in the area of Kunin in Lebanon in which Ismail al-Zin was located," said the military. 
 
"Al-Zin was a significant commander in the Anti-Tank Missile Unit of Hezbollah's Radwan Forces," it added.

The death of Al-Zin was confirmed by Hezbollah in a statement in which it was not clarified if he was part of Radwan, which is an elite unit.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant later said that the military will continue its operations against Hezbollah.

"We will make them pay a price for every attack that comes out from Lebanon," Gallant said.

Watch:&nbsp;ISIS calls for more attack in the Israel-Hamas war, Intelligence Agencies on high alert

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<h2>Israel submits proposal to dismantle UNRWA</h2>

Meanwhile, a proposal has been submitted by Israel to dismantle UNRWA, which is the relief agency in the Palestinian territories, and move its staff to a replacement agency to ensure large-scale food deliveries are being made in Gaza, as per media reports.

Over the weekend, Israel was rocked by protests carried out by thousands of people and the families of hostages against the government as they demanded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down from his position.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza on Monday (April 1) said that after tanks and vehicles were withdrawn by the Israeli military from the Al-Shifa complex, dozens of bodies were discovered in the besieged territory's main hospital.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza on Monday (April 1) said that after tanks and vehicles were withdrawn by the Israeli military from the Al-Shifa complex, dozens of bodies were discovered in the besieged territory's main hospital. The operation on Al-Shifa hospital was launched by the Israeli Army on March 18 which was described as a "precise" one that targets Hamas militants, whom they accused of operating from the complex. "Dozens of bodies, some of them decomposed, have been recovered from in and around the Al-Shifa medical complex," said the health ministry, in a statement. The Israeli military "withdrew from the Al-Shifa medical complex after burning down the complex buildings and putting it completely out of service", it added. "The scale of the destruction inside the complex and the buildings around it is very large," it said. Israeli airstrikes on Al-Aqsa hospital kill 4, fighting rages across Gaza amid truce talks Four people were killed and 17 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on Al-Aqsa hospital in Gaza, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a post on X as United States prepares to send more bombs to Israel. The airstrike was reported by a World Health Organization team which was present at the hospital to look into the needs and collect incubators required for the north of Gaza, Ghebreyesus wrote, adding, "WHO staff are all accounted for." "A WHO team was on a humanitarian mission at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza when a tent camp inside the hospital compound was hit by an Israeli airstrike today. We again call for protection of patients, health personnel and humanitarian missions," he said. "The ongoing attacks and militarisation of hospitals must stop. International humanitarian law must be respected," Ghebreyesus added. A @WHO team was on a humanitarian mission at Al-Aqsa Hospital in #Gaza, when a tent camp inside the hospital compound was hit by an Israeli airstrike today. Four people were killed and 17 injured. WHO staff are all accounted for. The team was at the hospital assessing the needs… — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 31, 2024 × WHO chief appealed to all the parties involved in the conflict to comply with the resolution of the UN Security Council which calls for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, a fresh stock of bombs is being sent to Israel by the United States, confirmed two senior administration officials to NBC News. The bombs, which are part of a weapons package that was approved long back, contain more than 1,800 Mark 84 (MK84) 2,000-pound bombs and approximately 500 Mark 82 (MK82) 500-pound bombs. Fighting escalates in Gaza In the past 24 hours, 77 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, said the health authorities on Sunday (Mar 31). The strikes were carried out at a time when an Israeli delegation was being hosted by Egypt to carry out a new round of truce talks with Hamas. The Israeli military claimed that they had killed a senior Islamic Jihad militant while carrying out the strike on a command centre in the Al-Aqsa Hospital's courtyard in central Gaza. Also Read: ‘US pressure will not stop us,’ says Netanyahu as Israel approves ‘operational plans’ for action in Rafah "The command centre and terrorists were struck precisely," the military said, adding that the strike was intended to minimise "harm to uninvolved civilians in the area of the hospital". "The Al-Aqsa Hospital building was not damaged and its functioning was not affected," it said. Israel says Hezbollah commander 'eliminated' in Lebanon Strike Israel's military claimed that they had "eliminated" a Hezbollah missile unit commander on Sunday (Mar 31) in an airstrike in Lebanon. The Israeli Air Force "struck a vehicle in the area of Kunin in Lebanon in which Ismail al-Zin was located," said the military. "Al-Zin was a significant commander in the Anti-Tank Missile Unit of Hezbollah's Radwan Forces," it added. The death of Al-Zin was confirmed by Hezbollah in a statement in which it was not clarified if he was part of Radwan, which is an elite unit. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant later said that the military will continue its operations against Hezbollah. "We will make them pay a price for every attack that comes out from Lebanon," Gallant said. Watch: ISIS calls for more attack in the Israel-Hamas war, Intelligence Agencies on high alert Israel submits proposal to dismantle UNRWA Meanwhile, a proposal has been submitted by Israel to dismantle UNRWA, which is the relief agency in the Palestinian territories, and move its staff to a replacement agency to ensure large-scale food deliveries are being made in Gaza, as per media reports. Over the weekend, Israel was rocked by protests carried out by thousands of people and the families of hostages against the government as they demanded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down from his position. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Dozens of bodies found in Al-Shifa Hospital after Israeli military's withdrawal, claims Hamas

Israel's hard right security minister and Amar Benguir visited the Al-Aqsa mosque in the annexation of East Jerusalem, the main flashpoint of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The minister referred to Israel as the owner of Jerusalem, prompting widespread criticism from Palestinians.

Senior Israeli minister visits Al-Aqsa mosque

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Tuesday that Temple Mount will be closed to Jewish visitors from Wednesday until the end of the month of Ramadan, because of security concerns.&nbsp;

Tensions have escalated over the last week spoiling a period when the holy month of Ramadan coincides with the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter.&nbsp;

In a statement, Netanyahu said that visits by non-Muslims to the sacred compound will be stopped until the end of Ramadan, expected around April 20.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Netanyahu also that he would "restore calm and security" to the country after tensions mounted across the nation since last week, with reports of clashes, shootings, rocket strikes, etc.&nbsp;

Last week, an Israeli police raid at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound triggered rocket attacks from Gaza, south Lebanon and Syria that drew Israeli air and artillery strikes.&nbsp;

Notably, the decision to bar Jewish visitors was in line with Israeli policy, which is aimed at reducing the clashes during the holiday period. However, some speculated that the new government might change the system.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said that the decision was taken after security talks and recommendations by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said that the decision to close Temple Mount for Jewish visitors is a "grave mistake that will not bring quiet" to the region. In a direct attack on Netanyahu Ben-Gvir said: "It can only escalate the situation."&nbsp;

"The lack of Jewish presence on Temple Mount will automatically cause a decrease in police presence on the Mount, which will create fertile ground for calls of incitement to murder Jews. When terror strikes, one must respond strongly rather than succumb to its whims," he said.&nbsp;

The Jerusalem Post report mentioned that a total of 3,013 Jews visited the Temple Mount during the intermediate days of Passover this year, which is a 32 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Tuesday that Temple Mount will be closed to Jewish visitors from Wednesday until the end of the month of Ramadan, because of security concerns.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Tuesday that Temple Mount will be closed to Jewish visitors from Wednesday until the end of the month of Ramadan, because of security concerns. Tensions have escalated over the last week spoiling a period when the holy month of Ramadan coincides with the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter. In a statement, Netanyahu said that visits by non-Muslims to the sacred compound will be stopped until the end of Ramadan, expected around April 20. Earlier this week, Netanyahu also that he would "restore calm and security" to the country after tensions mounted across the nation since last week, with reports of clashes, shootings, rocket strikes, etc. Last week, an Israeli police raid at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound triggered rocket attacks from Gaza, south Lebanon and Syria that drew Israeli air and artillery strikes. Notably, the decision to bar Jewish visitors was in line with Israeli policy, which is aimed at reducing the clashes during the holiday period. However, some speculated that the new government might change the system. Netanyahu said that the decision was taken after security talks and recommendations by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said that the decision to close Temple Mount for Jewish visitors is a "grave mistake that will not bring quiet" to the region. In a direct attack on Netanyahu Ben-Gvir said: "It can only escalate the situation." "The lack of Jewish presence on Temple Mount will automatically cause a decrease in police presence on the Mount, which will create fertile ground for calls of incitement to murder Jews. When terror strikes, one must respond strongly rather than succumb to its whims," he said. The Jerusalem Post report mentioned that a total of 3,013 Jews visited the Temple Mount during the intermediate days of Passover this year, which is a 32 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel bars Jewish visitors from Temple Mount for last 10 days of Ramadan

Earlier today, clashes erupted inside the Al-aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. The mosque compound in the old city of east Jerusalem has previously seen clashes and violence between Palestinians and Israelis. Clashes have been particularly witnessed during Ramadan, which draws tens of thousands of worshippers to Al-aqsa. The holy Muslim site is built on top of what Jews call the temple mount, Judaism's holiest site.

Israeli jets strike Hamas weapons manufacturing sites after rockets reportedly fired from Gaza strip

Amid the diplomatic tensions over the Al-Aqsa mosque controversy, Jordan's King Abdullah held a meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Jordan's Royal Court, Abdullah told Netanyahu that Israel should respect the historic legal status-quo in the holy Al-Aqsa mosque and not violate it.

Jordan's King Abdullah, Israel's Netanyahu discuss Al-Aqsa mosque tensions

Days after Israel minister Ben-Gvir's controversial visit to Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, the UN Security Council met over the issue and urged status quo at the site. Meanwhile, Israel called the meeting absurd.

UNSC stresses on Al-Aqsa status quo; Israel, Palestine envoy trade barbs at UN meet

The UN Security Council will be holding a meeting to discuss the controversial visit to Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound by Israeli minister Ben-Gvir, which has drawn widespread condemnation from the Muslim world and criticism by the West.

UNSC to discuss Ben-Gvir's controversial visit to Al-Aqsa compound

There's been a global criticism of Israeli far-right minister Ben-Gvir's visit to Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem. The Western governments warned that such moves threaten the fragile status quo at Jerusalem's holy site. Ben-Gvir visited the holy compound on Tuesday.

UAE, Morocco speak out against Ben-Gvir's move; Netanyahu postpones visit to UAE

The Al-Aqsa mosque has been a flashpoint for quite some time now. Muslims refer to it as al-Haram al-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary, while it is Temple Mount for the Jews. There have been protests, clashes & riots at the mosque site after Israel took control of East Jerusalem in 1967. But what is the conflict?

Al-Aqsa mosque - Why is it a flashpoint in Israel-Palestine conflict

Two weeks into the holy month of Ramadan, clashes broke out at a major holy site in Jerusalem the Al-Aqsa Mosque.&nbsp;

As per a report by the PTI news agency, 117 Palestinians were wounded in the clashes. It is not immediately clear what caused the violence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-kill-two-palestinians-in-west-bank-clashes-health-officials-471023">Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in West Bank clashes: health officials</a>

Videos circulating online show Palestinians hurling rocks and police using tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun guns to try and control the people. There are also accounts of people barricading themselves inside the mosque to escape violence.

Watch it here:

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BREAKING: Israeli forces break into Al Aqsa mosque this morning interrupting Fajer (dawn) prayers and attacking worshipers during the month of Ramadan. 
 
Israel’s relentless attacks are intensifying and growing bolder by the day, and it’s brutal attacks this Ramadan are proof. <a href="https://t.co/EZSzFg13t5">pic.twitter.com/EZSzFg13t5</a>
— Rabet #SaveSheikhJarrah (@rabetbypipd) <a href="https://twitter.com/rabetbypipd/status/1514810540966567945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Palestinian protestors reportedly threw stones at Israeli security forces, who responded by firing rubber bullets at some of the marchers, according to witnesses.

As per the Islamic endowment that administers the holy site police entered the mosque premises before dawn as thousands were gathered to offer prayer.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine: Gaza residents worry about another war as tensions soar

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The 117 wounded persons were taken to hospitals, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. According to the endowment, a rubber bullet hit one of the site's guards in the eye.

Israeli police said that on Friday, dozens of masked men "marched into&nbsp;Al-Aqsa&nbsp;mosque at 04:00... chanting inciting messages and setting off fireworks" and collecting "stones, wooden planks and large objects, which were then used in a violent riot".

<img alt="Al Aqsa clashes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0c08e1ae-0a02-4461-9a5b-9a5c90d2fe11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_328D36Z.jpg" />

Rescuers evacuate a wounded protester from inside the al-Aqsa mosque compound during clashes with Israeli security forces, on April 15, 2022. (Image:AFP)&nbsp;

"Despite these actions, police forces waited until the prayer was over," a statement said.

"Crowds then began to hurl rocks in the direction of the Western Wall... and as the violence surged, police were forced to enter the grounds surrounding the Mosque," it said, adding police "did not enter the mosque."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-capture-and-kill-tel-aviv-terrorist-after-firefight-469256">Watch | Israeli forces capture and kill Tel Aviv terrorist after firefight</a>

Tensions in the region have recently soared following a series of attacks that led to 14 people’s demise in Israel.&nbsp; 
In the occupied West Bank, Israel has made a series of arrests and military operations, sparking riots in which numerous Palestinians have been murdered.

In Islam, the mosque ranks third among the holiest places. It is situated on a hilltop that is considered the holiest site for Jews, known as the Temple Mount. For decades, it has been a major flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two weeks into the holy month of Ramadan, clashes broke out at a major holy site in Jerusalem the Al-Aqsa Mosque. As per a report by the PTI news agency, 117 Palestinians were wounded in the clashes.

Two weeks into the holy month of Ramadan, clashes broke out at a major holy site in Jerusalem the Al-Aqsa Mosque. As per a report by the PTI news agency, 117 Palestinians were wounded in the clashes. It is not immediately clear what caused the violence. Also read | Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in West Bank clashes: health officials Videos circulating online show Palestinians hurling rocks and police using tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun guns to try and control the people. There are also accounts of people barricading themselves inside the mosque to escape violence. Watch it here: BREAKING: Israeli forces break into Al Aqsa mosque this morning interrupting Fajer (dawn) prayers and attacking worshipers during the month of Ramadan. Israel’s relentless attacks are intensifying and growing bolder by the day, and it’s brutal attacks this Ramadan are proof. pic.twitter.com/EZSzFg13t5 — Rabet #SaveSheikhJarrah (@rabetbypipd) April 15, 2022 × Palestinian protestors reportedly threw stones at Israeli security forces, who responded by firing rubber bullets at some of the marchers, according to witnesses. As per the Islamic endowment that administers the holy site police entered the mosque premises before dawn as thousands were gathered to offer prayer. Watch | Israel-Palestine: Gaza residents worry about another war as tensions soar The 117 wounded persons were taken to hospitals, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. According to the endowment, a rubber bullet hit one of the site's guards in the eye. Israeli police said that on Friday, dozens of masked men "marched into Al-Aqsa mosque at 04:00... chanting inciting messages and setting off fireworks" and collecting "stones, wooden planks and large objects, which were then used in a violent riot". Rescuers evacuate a wounded protester from inside the al-Aqsa mosque compound during clashes with Israeli security forces, on April 15, 2022. (Image:AFP) "Despite these actions, police forces waited until the prayer was over," a statement said. "Crowds then began to hurl rocks in the direction of the Western Wall... and as the violence surged, police were forced to enter the grounds surrounding the Mosque," it said, adding police "did not enter the mosque." Also read | Watch | Israeli forces capture and kill Tel Aviv terrorist after firefight Tensions in the region have recently soared following a series of attacks that led to 14 people’s demise in Israel. In the occupied West Bank, Israel has made a series of arrests and military operations, sparking riots in which numerous Palestinians have been murdered. In Islam, the mosque ranks third among the holiest places. It is situated on a hilltop that is considered the holiest site for Jews, known as the Temple Mount. For decades, it has been a major flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Israel police, Palestinians clash at Al-Aqsa mosque, 117 injured

An Israeli judge's conclusion this week that "quiet" Jewish prayer should be allowed at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, revered by Muslims and Jews, has stirred Palestinian furore over the Jerusalem flashpoint.

Jews refer to the site as the Temple Mount, referencing two temples that were said to have stood there in antiquity. Al-Aqsa is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, falling within Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, but administered by the Waqf Islamic affairs council.

The Waqf called the Tuesday ruling by Jerusalem Magistrates' Court judge Billha Yahalom an illegitimate "provocation," while Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh warned Israel against any moves to enforce it.

Even Israeli police have appealed the decision, which came in response to a petition by an Israeli rabbi, Aryeh Lippo, who on September 29 was slapped with a two-week ban from the plaza after praying there.

The Waqf reluctantly grants Jews limited access to the site at certain hours, but the Jewish presence at the Al-Aqsa has long been a rallying cry across the Muslim world.

Before Israel's 1948 creation, riots during the British mandate of Palestine in 1929 were linked to the possibility of Jewish prayer there.

In May this year, clashes over possible evictions in a nearby Palestinian neighbourhood spread to the mosque compound, sparking an Israeli crackdown that escalated into an 11-day war between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

'Whispered'

No Israeli law prohibits Jewish prayer at the site, the third holiest to Islam.

But since 1967, the year Israel captured east Jerusalem including the Old City in the Six Day War, Israeli authorities have enforced a ban on Jewish prayer to prevent tensions.

Judge Yahalom's legal ruling was narrowly focused on overturning Lippo's ban from the plaza.

But commenting on his conduct, she wrote: "The appellant stood in the corner with a friend or two, there was no crowd around him, his prayer was quiet, whispered."

"I have not found that the religious acts carried out by the appellant were externalised and visible," she ruled, determining that such prayer did "not violate police instructions," and cancelling his ban from the site.

In appealing the ruling, police said Lippo engaged in "improper conduct in the public sphere."

'Not absolute'

Mainstream rabbinical authorities oppose Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount, with Jewish worship centred at the Western Wall plaza below.

In a ruling earlier this year on a petition demanding Temple Mount prayer rights for Jews, Israel's Supreme Court found that, "every Jew has the right to pray on the Temple Mount, as part of the freedom of religion and expression."

"At the same time, these rights are not absolute, and can be limited to take into account the public interest."

Muslim leaders reacted to the Jerusalem court ruling with unanimous condemnation.

"These prayers constitute provocations and a violation of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa," mosque director Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani told AFP.

"This decision also has no legitimacy because we do not recognise Israeli law on Al-Aqsa," he said.

The Saudi Arabia-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned "the decision of the so-called Israeli 'Jerusalem Court.'"

Some Jewish leaders were meanwhile underwhelmed by the impact of the decision.

Long-time activist for Jewish Temple Mount prayer Arnon Segal stressed that despite Yahalom's sentiment, "the simple truth is that (Jewish) prayer is prohibited on the Temple Mount."

"There's no change in policy," he wrote on Twitter, noting that on Thursday police had detained a Jewish man for silent prayer, and accusing the state of "trampling" the rights of those prevented from praying.

Segal further told AFP that not only was Yahalom's ruling not a precedent, it would likely harm his cause.

"The harsh Palestinian reaction to the very weak ruling will deter the justice system and the state from even enabling quiet prayers," he said.

On Thursday pensioner Naseef Ismael visited Al-Aqsa and said he disagreed with allowing Jews to pray there.

"This is a gift from God to Muslims, and there is no right for any person other than Muslims to do so," he told AFP.

An Israeli judge's conclusion this week that "quiet" Jewish prayer should be allowed at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, revered by Muslims and Jews, has stirred Palestinian furore over the Jerusalem flashpoint.

An Israeli judge's conclusion this week that "quiet" Jewish prayer should be allowed at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, revered by Muslims and Jews, has stirred Palestinian furore over the Jerusalem flashpoint. Jews refer to the site as the Temple Mount, referencing two temples that were said to have stood there in antiquity. Al-Aqsa is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, falling within Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, but administered by the Waqf Islamic affairs council. The Waqf called the Tuesday ruling by Jerusalem Magistrates' Court judge Billha Yahalom an illegitimate "provocation," while Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh warned Israel against any moves to enforce it. Even Israeli police have appealed the decision, which came in response to a petition by an Israeli rabbi, Aryeh Lippo, who on September 29 was slapped with a two-week ban from the plaza after praying there. The Waqf reluctantly grants Jews limited access to the site at certain hours, but the Jewish presence at the Al-Aqsa has long been a rallying cry across the Muslim world. Before Israel's 1948 creation, riots during the British mandate of Palestine in 1929 were linked to the possibility of Jewish prayer there. In May this year, clashes over possible evictions in a nearby Palestinian neighbourhood spread to the mosque compound, sparking an Israeli crackdown that escalated into an 11-day war between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. 'Whispered' No Israeli law prohibits Jewish prayer at the site, the third holiest to Islam. But since 1967, the year Israel captured east Jerusalem including the Old City in the Six Day War, Israeli authorities have enforced a ban on Jewish prayer to prevent tensions. Judge Yahalom's legal ruling was narrowly focused on overturning Lippo's ban from the plaza. But commenting on his conduct, she wrote: "The appellant stood in the corner with a friend or two, there was no crowd around him, his prayer was quiet, whispered." "I have not found that the religious acts carried out by the appellant were externalised and visible," she ruled, determining that such prayer did "not violate police instructions," and cancelling his ban from the site. In appealing the ruling, police said Lippo engaged in "improper conduct in the public sphere." 'Not absolute' Mainstream rabbinical authorities oppose Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount, with Jewish worship centred at the Western Wall plaza below. In a ruling earlier this year on a petition demanding Temple Mount prayer rights for Jews, Israel's Supreme Court found that, "every Jew has the right to pray on the Temple Mount, as part of the freedom of religion and expression." "At the same time, these rights are not absolute, and can be limited to take into account the public interest." Muslim leaders reacted to the Jerusalem court ruling with unanimous condemnation. "These prayers constitute provocations and a violation of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa," mosque director Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani told AFP. "This decision also has no legitimacy because we do not recognise Israeli law on Al-Aqsa," he said. The Saudi Arabia-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned "the decision of the so-called Israeli 'Jerusalem Court.'" Some Jewish leaders were meanwhile underwhelmed by the impact of the decision. Long-time activist for Jewish Temple Mount prayer Arnon Segal stressed that despite Yahalom's sentiment, "the simple truth is that (Jewish) prayer is prohibited on the Temple Mount." "There's no change in policy," he wrote on Twitter, noting that on Thursday police had detained a Jewish man for silent prayer, and accusing the state of "trampling" the rights of those prevented from praying. Segal further told AFP that not only was Yahalom's ruling not a precedent, it would likely harm his cause. "The harsh Palestinian reaction to the very weak ruling will deter the justice system and the state from even enabling quiet prayers," he said. On Thursday pensioner Naseef Ismael visited Al-Aqsa and said he disagreed with allowing Jews to pray there. "This is a gift from God to Muslims, and there is no right for any person other than Muslims to do so," he told AFP.

Israeli judge's approval of 'quiet' Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa stirs anger

Turkey criticised Israel and accused it of unleashing "terror" on Palestinians after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque late on Friday.

The clashes at Islam's third holiest site and around East Jerusalem, which injured 205 Palestinians and 17 police officers, came amid mounting anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers.

As the clashes flared, several Turkish officials criticised Israel and called for other countries to voice condemnation, while a Foreign Ministry statement urged Israel to "immediately end its provocative and hostile stance and act with reason".

"Shame on Israel and those who keep silent in the face of disgraceful attacks," Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Twitter late on Friday.

"We call on everyone to stand up against the policies of occupation and aggression of this apartheid state," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jerusalem-nightly-violent-encounter-injures-178-palestinians-and-6-police-officers-383586">Jerusalem: Nightly violent encounter injures 178 Palestinians and 6 police officers</a>

Turkey's communications director Fahrettin Altun told state television Israel was violating human rights and would "pay the price", as opposition parties echoed the government condemnation in a rare sign of unity.

"Attacking innocent people praying is clearly terror," Altun said. "We see that these attacks on Palestinians are against the most fundamental human rights."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jerusalem-clashes-palestinians-clash-with-israeli-police-at-al-aqsa-mosque-383605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Former allies Turkey and Israel have had a bitter falling-out in recent years despite strong commercial ties, mutually expelling ambassadors in 2018.

Ankara has repeatedly condemned Israel's occupation of the West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians, calling the issue a "red line".

Last month, Turkey also condemned what it said was Israel's "systematic attempt at evicting Palestinians", referring to the long-running legal case that Israel's Supreme Court will hold a hearing over on Monday.

Turkey criticised Israel and accused it of unleashing "terror" on Palestinians after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque late on Friday.

Turkey criticised Israel and accused it of unleashing "terror" on Palestinians after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque late on Friday. The clashes at Islam's third holiest site and around East Jerusalem, which injured 205 Palestinians and 17 police officers, came amid mounting anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers. As the clashes flared, several Turkish officials criticised Israel and called for other countries to voice condemnation, while a Foreign Ministry statement urged Israel to "immediately end its provocative and hostile stance and act with reason". "Shame on Israel and those who keep silent in the face of disgraceful attacks," Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Twitter late on Friday. "We call on everyone to stand up against the policies of occupation and aggression of this apartheid state," he said. Also read | Jerusalem: Nightly violent encounter injures 178 Palestinians and 6 police officers Turkey's communications director Fahrettin Altun told state television Israel was violating human rights and would "pay the price", as opposition parties echoed the government condemnation in a rare sign of unity. "Attacking innocent people praying is clearly terror," Altun said. "We see that these attacks on Palestinians are against the most fundamental human rights." Former allies Turkey and Israel have had a bitter falling-out in recent years despite strong commercial ties, mutually expelling ambassadors in 2018. Ankara has repeatedly condemned Israel's occupation of the West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians, calling the issue a "red line". Last month, Turkey also condemned what it said was Israel's "systematic attempt at evicting Palestinians", referring to the long-running legal case that Israel's Supreme Court will hold a hearing over on Monday.

Turkey accuses Israel of 'terror' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-condemns-attacks-on-saudi-guest-237916">al-Aqsa</a> mosque in Jerusalem has become a point of contention for Jordan amid reports the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been manoeuvring for control of Islam's holiest site.

Jordan's fears were raised in August after the US, UAE, and Israel in a joint statement said: "All Muslims who come in peace may visit and pray at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-broke-out-in-al-aqsa-mosque-as-notre-dame-cathedral-burned-210982">al-Aqsa</a> Mosque, and Jerusalem’s other holy sites should remain open for peaceful worshippers of all faiths.”

The announcement of restoration of diplomatic ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates not only sent shockwaves in West Asia, the US, UAE, and Israel joint statement further antagonised Jordan.

Amman was further alarmed after a reported meeting between Israeli PM&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi crown prince&nbsp;Mohammed bin Salman. Last month, a UAE delegation had visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces, a move which was criticised by Palestinian PM Muhammad Shtayyeh.

Shtayyeh said: “Al-Aqsa Mosque shall be entered through the gate of its owners [Jordanian and Palestinian authorities], not through the gate of the Israeli occupation.”&nbsp;

Jordan has been the official custodian of Christian and Muslim holy places in Jerusalem since 1924 after Sharif Hussein who started the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire was acclaimed as the custodian of Jerusalem's holy sites.&nbsp;

Jordan remained the custodian of holy places in Jerusalem even after it gave up its claim over the occupied West Bank in 1988. Israel and Jordan later recognised Jordan's role as a religious custodian after concluding the Wadi Araba peace treaty in 1994.

Amid the developments, the Jordanian foreign ministry released a statement saying: "the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and Haram al-Sharif with its 144 dunams (35.5 acres), is a mosque exclusively for Muslims, and they alone have the right to pray there".

"International law affirms that it is not permissible for occupying powers to change the status quo," Jordan said, referring to Israel. It further said that, "Israel, the occupying power in occupied East Jerusalem, must respect its obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, and respect the legal and historical status quo. Israel must also respect the sanctity of the mosque, the feelings of Muslims and Jordan's role in caring for the holy sites."

The al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem has become a point of contention for Jordan amid reports the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been manoeuvring for control of Islam's holiest site.

The al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem has become a point of contention for Jordan amid reports the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been manoeuvring for control of Islam's holiest site. Jordan's fears were raised in August after the US, UAE, and Israel in a joint statement said: "All Muslims who come in peace may visit and pray at the al-Aqsa Mosque, and Jerusalem’s other holy sites should remain open for peaceful worshippers of all faiths.” The announcement of restoration of diplomatic ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates not only sent shockwaves in West Asia, the US, UAE, and Israel joint statement further antagonised Jordan. Amman was further alarmed after a reported meeting between Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. Last month, a UAE delegation had visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces, a move which was criticised by Palestinian PM Muhammad Shtayyeh. Shtayyeh said: “Al-Aqsa Mosque shall be entered through the gate of its owners [Jordanian and Palestinian authorities], not through the gate of the Israeli occupation.” Jordan has been the official custodian of Christian and Muslim holy places in Jerusalem since 1924 after Sharif Hussein who started the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire was acclaimed as the custodian of Jerusalem's holy sites. Jordan remained the custodian of holy places in Jerusalem even after it gave up its claim over the occupied West Bank in 1988. Israel and Jordan later recognised Jordan's role as a religious custodian after concluding the Wadi Araba peace treaty in 1994. Amid the developments, the Jordanian foreign ministry released a statement saying: "the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and Haram al-Sharif with its 144 dunams (35.5 acres), is a mosque exclusively for Muslims, and they alone have the right to pray there". "International law affirms that it is not permissible for occupying powers to change the status quo," Jordan said, referring to Israel. It further said that, "Israel, the occupying power in occupied East Jerusalem, must respect its obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, and respect the legal and historical status quo. Israel must also respect the sanctity of the mosque, the feelings of Muslims and Jordan's role in caring for the holy sites."

As Israel, Saudi Arabia cool tensions, Jordan's custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque under scrutiny

Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound reopened to Muslim worshippers and visitors on Sunday (May 31) after a two-and-a-half month coronavirus closure, but authorities imposed some precautions as health officials warned of an uptick in local infections.

Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque reopens after more than two months

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