The Temple Mount in Jerusalem Israeli police stormed Temple Mount, one of the most holy and politically sensitive sites in Jerusalem Sunday, forcefully dispersing a protest by Palestinian Muslim worshipers who oppose to Jewish attempts to pray there. An Israeli police spokesperson told Xinhua that the brief clash erupted early in the morning, when the compound, known to Muslims as the "Noble Sanctuary" and to Jews as the Temple Mount, was opened to Jewish visitors.
Dozens of Palestinians hurled stones and firecrackers at the police forces, a statement released by the Israeli police said. The police dispersed them with "tear gas and non-lethal means" and arrested 16 of them.
Two paramilitary Israeli Border Police officers were slightly wounded, the statement added.
Jewish visitors continued to flock for prayers at the adjoining Western Wall, as the police closed access to the Temple Mount shortly after the clashes began.
Tension in the volatile site has been particularly high this week, as Jews are celebrating Passover and Palestinians oppose the entry of Jewish worshipers to the compound, many offended by what they perceive to be Israeli attempts to change the status of the site.
On Wednesday, dozens of Palestinians were hurt during clashes with the police in the compound.
The site was captured by Israel during the 1967 Mideast War. It is revered by both Jews and Muslims, as it is the place believed to be the location of both ancient Jewish and Muslim temples.
Run by the Muslim Waqf in Jordan and guarded by Israeli security forces, the compound is a known flashpoint and Jews are not allowed to pray at the site but can come and visit.
Source: XINHUA