Israel: Clashes inside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque, injuries reported

The Israeli Police said early Wednesday (April 5) that they entered the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem to dislodge "agitators". In a statement, the police said it was forced to enter the compound after agitators locked themselves inside the mosque with fireworks, sticks, and stones. "When the police entered, stones were thrown at them and fireworks were fired from inside the mosque by a large group of agitators," the statement said, adding one police official was wounded in the leg.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported injuries following clashes but did not elaborate on how many people were hurt.

Speaking to the news agency Reuters, an elderly woman, while sitting outside the mosque struggling to catch her breath, said she was sitting on a chair reciting the Qur'an when stun grenades were hurled and one of them hit her chest.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Palestinian groups condemned Israel's attacks on worshippers, which they described as a crime.

"We warn the occupation against crossing red lines at holy sites, which will lead to a big explosion," said Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Friction at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has set off violence in recent years. The holy site is of religious significance to Jews, Muslims, as well as Christians.

The recent clashes at the mosque come after a man detained by the Israeli police near the compound on April 1 grabbed an officer's gun and fired it, prompting the unit to shoot him dead. The slain man was identified as Mohammad Al-Osaibi. A day later, mourners gathered in the Bedouin town of Hura, southern Israel for the funeral of Al-Osaibi.

(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.