JERUSALEM, July 27, 2017 (WAFA) – Israeli police brutally attacked thousands of Palestinians of all ages who entered Al-Aqsa Mosque compound Thursday afternoon, injuring at last 100 people according to Red Crescent figures.
An estimated 100,000 people had gathered outside the gates to Al-Aqsa Mosque in preparation to enter it after the Muslim religious leaders in Jerusalem called on people to resume prayers inside the compound after Israel had removed all obstacles it had placed at the gates since July 14.
When it was time for the afternoon prayers, the religious leaders headed to the mosque followed by the thousands who were waiting anxiously outside to enter their most holy place.
Minutes later, Israeli police armed with full riot gear mercilessly attacked the worshippers, throwing stun grenades and tear gas canisters at them, causing panic and stampede in the narrow Jerusalem Old City alleys and outside the gates when people attempted to run for their life.
Inside the mosque compound, police chased people, pushing and shoving them, including elderly, women and children, throwing stun grenades at their feet and forcing many to leave the compound.
A police spokeswoman said forces entered the compound to remove Palestinian flags raised on the buildings.
In the confrontations that erupted, the Red Crescent said it treated more than 100 people, many of them elderly suffering from tear gas inhalation or rubber bullet wounds. Some were beaten by police and treated for broken bones.
Officials said \Israel was not pleased to see Palestinians happy to enter their mosque after 14 days of absence from it and therefore attacked them vindictively.
Calls were made to the public to come to mosque for the Friday noon prayer after Waqf officials said they ordered all mosques in Jerusalem closed to allow worshippers to attend the prayers on Friday at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
However, the Israeli police decided to restrict entry of Muslim worshippers on Friday to men over 50 years of age while no restriction on entry of women,
People who will not be able to reach the mosque are expected to hold prayers in the city streets.
M.K.
