The number of injured has risen to more than 150. According to the Israeli police, the violence broke out on Friday morning after the end of morning prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Palestinians threw stones and set off firecrackers. Around 100 rioters were among around 12,000 believers, it was said.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that 152 Palestinians were injured when Israeli security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets. According to the media, three Israeli police officers were also injured. Israeli news site Haaretz reported that after the clashes ended, police arrested dozens of Palestinians inside Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Call for de-escalation
The United Nations called on both sides to de-escalate. UN Middle East Envoy Tor Wennesland expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation. “I urge those responsible on both sides to de-escalate the situation immediately and to prevent further provocations by radical actors,” the diplomat said in a statement.
The EU had previously reacted with concern to the clashes. “The violence must stop immediately,” said a spokesman for the EU’s foreign service on Friday. Further civilian casualties must be prevented and the status quo of holy sites must be fully respected. The EU reiterates the call on all sides to seek de-escalation.
Massive police presence on Good Friday
Tens of thousands of Muslims were expected in Jerusalem’s Old City for Friday prayers to pray on and around the Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif) during the Muslim month of fasting, Ramadan. This is sacred to Muslims and Jews. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam.
The Jewish Passover festival, which will also attract believers and visitors, also begins on Friday evening. The Ministry of Tourism expects a total of 30,000 foreign tourists this week alone.
In addition, despite a bloody wave of terror in Israel, thousands of Christians want to reenact Jesus’ Way of the Cross in Jerusalem on Good Friday. A massive police presence is expected, especially in the old town. The security situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories is extremely tense: 14 people have been killed in four attacks in Israel in the past few weeks.
Source: Nachrichten
