At least two Palestinian worshippers are thought to have been injured. Quds Network tweeted images in which one man can be seen lying on a stretcher with blood on his neck and chest.
The Waqf, the endowment that holds custodianship of Al-Aqsa, confirmed reports of injuries, saying that “several people were lightly injured as a result of clashes,” Haaretz reported.
Israeli terrorists, forces, whatever, fire upon Palestinian worshippers at al Aqsa mosque during Friday prayers. pic.twitter.com/vE8BjzXQ7A
— CJ Werleman (@cjwerleman) July 27, 2018
The Waqf added that
“The [Israeli] police blocked the exits from inside the mosque compound, causing further unrest.”
The heavy-handed response by Israeli forces seems to have escalated the situation. Al Jazeera Arabic tweeted a video showing intense firing inside the compound, as Palestinians sought shelter near buildings. Meanwhile, Lebanese newspaper the Daily Star reported that
“Israeli police sealed the gates to Jerusalem’s flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.”
Israeli occupation forces surrounded al Aqsa mosque and attacked, tear gassed and took worshippers captive after Friday prayers. Pictures from local media . #Jerusalem #Palestine #Islam #Muslims pic.twitter.com/0NV02pjzDo
— Palestine (@OccuPalGaza) July 27, 2018
Reports have emerged that Israeli occupation forces are shooting rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas at Palestinian worshippers in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound.
Videos show Palestinians running from approaching Israeli soldiers, as shots can be heard being fired in the background. Smoke can also be seen engulfing the compound, believed to be coming from tear gas canisters fired by Israeli forces to disperse the crowds.
While the people of #Gaza are preparing themselves to participate in the #GreatReturnMarch protests near the eastern borders, the #Israeli forces are attacking the #Palestinians who are praying in #Alaqsa_Mosque.
When will the #IsraeliCrimes stop?! pic.twitter.com/3RW1v62WR6
— We Are Not Numbers #Gaza (@WeAreNotNumbers) July 27, 2018
A number of Palestinians have seemingly been arrested and can be seen being escorted through the compound by armed Israeli forces in riot gear. Others shared images from inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque itself, where women and children can be seen sheltering from the violence.
Israel is currently attacking Al AQSA. THIS IS TERRORIST ISRAEL. DEATH TO ISRAEL. pic.twitter.com/9kbKi7E7qy
— yousef (@yousefselaymeh) July 27, 2018
Initial reports added that Israeli forces have chained the gates of the mosque.
The compound, which is situated in Jerusalem’s Old City, is the site of Friday prayers for thousands of Palestinians. Today’s violence comes just a week after over a thousand Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound under the protection of Israeli occupation forces.
(MEMO, PC, Social Media)
