More Than 150 Palestinians Injured in Israeli Raid on Al Aqsa Mosque

Israeli forces launched an attack on Al Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem on Friday, injuring more 150 Palestinians who were gathered to worship in the second week Ramadan.

Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani, the director of the Al Aqsa Mosque — one of Islam’s holiest sites — told Middle EastEye that “what happened today is an attack on all peaceful worshipers.”

“This was a barbaric premeditated attack on worshipers,” he added.

As a small group from Palestine hurled rocks at Israeli officers, Israeli police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the protestors. Three Israeli officers were reportedly injured.

“The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said it treated 152 people, many of them wounded by rubber-coated bullets or stun grenades, or beaten with batons,” the Associated Press reported. “The [Islamic endowment that administers the mosque] said one of the guards at the site was shot in the eye with a rubber bullet.”

After projectiles and tear gas were fired at the perimeter, the Israeli police finally entered the mosque to arrest hundreds of Palestinians.

According to Middle East Eye, “The buildings inside the complex were damaged in the attack, with some of its historical windows smashed by Israeli forces, according to eyewitnesses.”

“Medics, journalists, mosque volunteers, and women were targeted, according to Palestinian media reports,” the outlet reported. “Journalists Muhammad Samreen and Rami al-Khateeb were among those injured. At least one child was taken into custody. Meanwhile, Israeli guards stationed at the mosque’s gate stopped Palestinians from entering the site ahead of Friday prayers… Worshipers coming from the occupied West Bank and within Israel were allowed to enter shortly after.”