JERUSALEM – Jerusalem’s flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound was closed onFriday, an AFP photographer said, after clashes erupted with Palestinianworshippers following midday prayers.
The Waqf, the religious authority that runs the mosque, confirmed the gateswere closed after unrest broke out.
All entry into and out of the mosque, which is Islam’s third holiest site,was prevented, the photographer said.
Police did not confirm the closures but said the clashes were sparked afterFriday midday prayers as “rioters started to throw fireworks directly atpolice”.
“Police entered the Temple Mount compound and began evacuating the site.During dispersal of the rioters police arrested a number of suspects,” astatement said, using the Jewish name for the site.
It added police were still seeking to arrest a number of suspects who hadfled into the Al-Aqsa mosque inside the compound.
The Waqf published videos showing police firing tear gas at Palestiniansinside the mosque compound, which also includes the Dome of the Rock.
The compound is one of the most fractious issues in the Israel-Palestinianconflict.
The site is also holy to Jews, who believe it to be the location of thefirst and second temples of Judaism and refer to it as the Temple Mount.
An outer wall of the site is the Western Wall, the holiest site at whichJews are allowed to pray. The wall was not sealed off Friday.
The mosque is a rallying point for Palestinians and Muslims generally, whofear Israel is seeking to change the so-called status quo arrangement atthe site.
Under that agreement, Jews can visit but only Muslims are allowed tovisibly pray at the site.
In July 2017 tens of thousands of Palestinians prayed outside for weeksafter Israel installed new metal detectors following an attack at al-Aqsa.
Palestinians say a visit to the site by right wing Israeli politician ArielSharon sparked the second intifada, or uprising, in 2000, though Israeldisputes this.
Fresh Palestinian protests were expected along the Gaza-Israel borderFriday evening, a week after an Israeli soldier was shot dead there. -APP/AFP