As feared, Holy Week in the Holy Land is overshadowed by violence. Several people were injured in clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Wednesday night. Dozens of Palestinians have barricaded themselves in the mosque on the Temple Mount, Israeli media reported. The police used stun grenades, Palestinians set off fireworks and threw stones.
Twelve Palestinians were injured and several were arrested, Haaretz newspaper reported. The Jerusalem Post reported that a police officer was also injured. The Israeli security forces feared that the Palestinians would attack Jewish visitors on the Temple Mount.
Rockets from the Gaza Strip
Radical Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have reportedly fired several rockets at Israel. Alarm sirens had been activated in the town of Sderot, which borders the Gaza Strip, and other places in the south of the country, the army said. There was no information about injuries or even deaths.
Call for “protection” of Al-Aqsa Mosque
Palestinian media reported that the six rockets were fired in response to the “forced eviction” of worshipers from Al-Aqsa Mosque. It is still unclear who exactly is behind the attacks. The head of the militant Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniya, had previously called on Palestinians to go to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and “protect” them.
Violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces have occurred repeatedly in recent years in the area around the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Temple Mount with the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. But it is also sacred to Jews because there used to be two Jewish temples.
Ramadan, Pesach and Easter
Before the start of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, there were fears that the already tense security situation in the country would worsen. A particularly large number of Muslims currently come to the Temple Mount to pray there during the month of fasting. Easter begins on Wednesday. One of the customs is a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Christians, in turn, celebrate Easter, the holiest feast of the church year.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
