Police, Palestinians clash on Temple Mount

After opening of Mughrabi Gate, dozens of Palestinians entered the area; 3 were arrested and others dispersed by stun grenade after throwing rocks at police.

Police clashed with dozens of Palestinian youths at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem who threw rocks and fireworks at them following the opening of the Mughrabi gate on Tuesday morning. Some of the men wore masks, according to police.

Three young men were arrested, while the rest were dispersed by a stun grenade thrown by police. According to Palestinian media, several of the youths were injured. The Israel Police said no Palestinians were injured.

Two police officers suffered light injuries; one from a firework and the other from the rocks. They were treated on site before being taken to Shaare Zekek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

Earlier this month, hundreds of Palestinians rioted and threw rocks at police at the Temple Mount following Friday prayers. They were also dispersed by police stun grenades.

The frequently violent Arab response to Jewish visitation rights to the Temple Mount has a long and contentious history, dating back to when the Wakf Muslim religious trust was given oversight of the holy site following the Six Day War in 1967.

Although the Supreme Court upheld Jewish prayer rights on the site, the court allows police to prevent any form of worship there if they believe such activities will incite a “disturbance to the public order.”

Right-wing Israeli politicians have repeatedly demanded Jewish sovereignty of the area, as well as greater access, to little avail. 

Source: Jerusalem Post