New violence at Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, at least 42 injured

Violence broke out this morning for the third week in a row between Israeli police and Palestinians in East Jerusalem. There have been more clashes in the Al-Aqsa mosque in recent weeks as Israeli security forces also entered the mosque. Also this morning, on the last Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, fighting took place near the mosque.

At least 42 people were injured on the Palestinian side, according to the Red Crescent aid organization. About half were treated at the scene, the rest were taken to hospital. As far as is known, no injuries were reported on the Israeli side.

Police said they entered the mosque complex after Palestinians threw rocks and fireworks at officers and worshipers. The footage shows Israeli security forces firing tear gas and flash grenades. Two Palestinians were arrested.

wave of violence

Masjid al-Aqsa is the holiest site in Jerusalem for Muslims. Tens of thousands of Palestinian believers gather there to pray during Ramadan. The building is located on the Temple Mount, the holiest site in the world for Jews. In recent weeks there have been repeated clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces. Hundreds of people, mostly Palestinians, were injured.

The situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories has been tense for weeks. For example, there have been deaths in Palestinian attacks in Israel and in raids by the Israeli army on occupied Palestinian territories such as the city of Jenin. A young Palestinian was shot dead in a shootout with the Israeli army there this week.

Some of the violence appears to be related to important religious holidays in the Holy Land. In addition to Ramadan, Passover and Christian Easter are also celebrated in recent weeks. The Islamic month of fasting ends this weekend.