On Wednesday, violence erupted in Jerusalem for the second consecutive night as Muslim worshippers barricaded themselves inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Israeli police had to use force to remove dozens of people. The situation remained tense as Muslims celebrated Ramadan, Jews observed the Passover holiday, and Palestinian terrorists in Gaza resumed rocket fire at Israel, raising fears of a larger conflict.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, at least six people were injured in the latest disturbances as police struggled to disperse the crowds. The Israeli police stated that "law-breaking juveniles" had caused chaos, throwing rocks and other objects at officers.
More Muslim protestors had gathered in the mosque, responding to calls by the Islamic Waqf authorities to pray inside overnight. Police officers could be seen escorting dozens of congregants out of the compound.
Earlier that day, Israeli police had stormed the mosque, firing stun grenades at Palestinians who had hurled stones and firecrackers. In response, Palestinian terrorists in Gaza launched rockets at southern Israel, leading to Israeli airstrikes.
Although the violence had calmed by early Wednesday morning, Palestinian militant groups warned of further confrontation. However, a Palestinian official stated that the Palestinian Authority was in contact with officials in Egypt, Jordan, the United States, and the United Nations to de-escalate the situation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is working to "calm tensions" at the holy site.
Related Story: Palestinians Barricade Temple Mount Mosque Ahead of Passover
