JERUSALEM – Israeli police fired tear gas and stun grenades during clashes with Palestinian protesters on Friday.
Three Palestinians were killed in the violence, and close to 400 others injured. Israel said five police officers were injured.
Muslim worshippers gather for Friday prayers outside the Damascus Gate entrance to Jerusalem's Old City. Israeli riot police are standing guard. (John Huddy/Fox News)
The anger is over Israel’s decision to leave metal detectors at the entrances to the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City – a security measure taken after last week’s deadly attack there.
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“We do not accept any restrictions on the door of the Al-Aqsa Mosque,” said Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, Jerusalem’s Grand Mufti. “Therefore all the Palestinian people reject these gates and refuse to accept or enter through them.”
Call to prayer outside Lion's Gate entrance to Old City. Those not allowed in gather on one side of the street, police on the other. (John Huddy/Fox News)
While there was violence outside the Lion’s Gate entrance to the holy site, Friday prayers ended peacefully at the Damascus Gate entrance, though hundreds of people were not allowed in. The sensitive shrine is holy to both Jews and Muslims.
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“Today, specifically only men from the age of 50 and upwards will be allowed in and around the area of the Old City and the Temple Mount,” said Micky Rosenfeld, Israeli police spokesman.
An escalating dispute over metal detectors at a contested Jerusalem shrine turned violent on Friday, setting off widespread clashes between Palestinian stone-throwers and Israeli troops. (AP)
Outside the Lion’s Gate entrance, those who were not allowed in prayed on one side of the street while police stood guard on the other.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on the Trump Administration to urge Israel to remove the metal detectors, or he said the violence could spiral out of control.
For now, they’ll remain in place while heavily armed Israeli police remain on high alert.
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