Temple Mount closed to Jewish visitors following Arab rioting

Advertisement

The Temple Mount was closed to Jewish visitors on the second day of Passover following rioting at the site by dozens of Arab youth.

The Arab youth, many wearing masks, threw rocks and firecrackers at Israeli security forces on the Temple Mount Wednesday morning, shortly after it opened for Jewish visitors. Many Jewish visitors come to visit the site, which is holy to both Muslims and Jews, during the Passover holiday.

Israeli security forces used stun grenades to quell the rioting, according to police. The French news agency AFP reported that the security forces also used rubber-coated bullets, which wounded dozens of Palestinian rioters. It also reported that many Palestinian rioters remained in the Al Aksa Mosque for fear of arrest.

Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said early Wednesday afternoon that no police forces remained on the Temple Mount.

Arab protesters also threw rocks at police officers in an alley in the Old City of Jerusalem, with one policeman being injured. Rosenfeld said police were assessing security in the area.

The Temple Mount also had been closed to visitors on Sunday due to Arab rioting and violence against Israeli security forces.

On Monday, police prevented five Jewish Israeli activists from performing a live animal sacrifice at the site to commemorate Passover.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement