Thousands of Muslim worshippers have surged into Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque and at least 113 were hurt in scuffles with police after Israel lifted security measures imposed at the sacred site after days of violent protests.
Chaotic scenes unfolded as Israeli police used stun grenades to try to control crowds charging forward when the last gate Muslims use to enter Al-Aqsa was opened after a stand-off lasting several hours.
‘We will sacrifice ourselves for Al-Aqsa!’ chanted the throng outside Islam’s third holiest shrine. Several young men clambered onto the mosque’s roof to affix Palestinian flags, which Israeli police soon confiscated.
Israel’s removal of the security devices, including metal detectors and CCTV cameras, marked a significant climbdown by right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu’s decision followed days of diplomatic effort by the United Nations, the involvement of US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy and pressure from Muslim Arab powers in the region.
Source: More than 100 injured at Jerusalem mosque
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