On the last Friday of the Holy month of Ramadan, many Muslims from around Jerusalem gathered inside Al Aqsa mosque, A Holy site for the Jewish. Al Aqsa mosque is a huge symbol for Muslims around the world, it is also a mosque where attempts after attempts of attack have taken place.
Recently, a force of Israeli police started firing rubber-metal bullets towards the Palestinians attending the evening prayer in Al Aqsa mosque. The Palestinians responded by throwing glass and plastic bottles and stones at the Israeli police. Tensions have been quite high in the city of Jerusalem for quite some time now as Israeli’s demand the people of Jerusalem to pack their bags and leave the city for Israeli’s.
After the Police were asked about this violent act, The Police responded saying that they were trying to regain order as worshippers were causing a nuisance and were disturbing the peace within the mosque. The Israeli Police force started throwing stun grenades and started firing rubber-coated metal bullets towards worshippers. A Mosque official (Khatib) who was giving the evening sermon at the time, asked over the speakers multiple times for everyone to stay calm and settle down, He also advised the Police to stop this violence, which they surely did not. Communities around Palestine were also angered over this act by the Police, An official from the United Nations stated that no evictions shall take place and the Police are advised to avoid the use of any force against the protestors. A Spokeswoman from the U.S State Department also stated that we are highly concerned and deeply worried about the tensions being caused in the city of Jerusalem.
The Red Crescent (Health care department) revealed that almost 90 Palestinians were injured and were taken to the hospital after being shot by rubber bullets whereas six officers required urgent medical treatment.
On the upcoming Monday, A hearing will be conducted in Israel’s Supreme Court regarding these tensions.