JERUSALEM, September 18, 2018 (WAFA) – Israeli police assaulted on Tuesday Palestinians present at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City as dozens of hardcore Jewish fanatics intensified their provocative tours of the Muslim holy compound on the eve of the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday, according to eyewitnesses.

They said the police assaulted all Palestinians present inside the holy compound, including mosque guards and staff, and detained five people while four required hospitalization from beating.

The police attack came as dozens of fanatic Jews entered the holy compound and attempted to hold Jewish rituals against standing orders provoking the Muslim worshippers and staff.

Police normally accompany the fanatics during their tour to prevent any contact between them and the Palestinians.

Jewish right wing groups have called on their followers to intensify their presence inside Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on these days with a goal to eventually take it over and build a Jewish temple in place of the Muslim Mosque.

M.K.