Hundreds wounded as Israeli forces raid Al-Aqsa compound

Israeli forces stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday morning, firing rubber-coated bullets, tear gas, and sound bombs at Palestinian worshippers, wounding hundreds.

The latest violence comes as occupied East Jerusalem braces for a planned Jewish nationalist march through the city later on Monday. The annual Jerusalem Day Flag March marks the day East Jerusalem was occupied in 1967 and later annexed by Israel – in a move not recognized by the majority of the international community.

It usually sees young Zionist activists walk through Palestinian areas in the Old City and East Jerusalem neighborhoods in provocation.

Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the imam and preacher of Al Aqsa Mosque, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the raid on Al Aqsa compound “to satisfy the settlers, so that he would remain the prime minister.”

“He (Netanyahu) wanted to present them (the settlers) as a gift,” he said.

Sabri said “the violation” of the Al Aqsa Mosque compound is a “heinous crime that cannot be tolerated”.


Mustafa Barghouti, the leader of the Palestinian National Initiative party, has called the Israeli raid of Al Aqsa Mosque compound a “criminal act”.
Barghouti, who was present inside the compound during the Israeli attack, said Israel violated all human rights by attacking people inside the mosque.

“One of the most shocking scenes that I saw is when they attacked the first aid medics who were attacked and beaten for no reason – except to provide first aid for the injured people,” he said.

“This is unacceptable… this is the racist behavior of an Israeli army that is practicing apartheid and discrimination,” he added.

At least 305 people have been wounded during the Israeli raid of Al Aqsa Mosque compound and the surrounding areas in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.
About 228 have been transferred to three hospitals in occupied East Jerusalem, and seven are in critical condition.

According to the Israeli army radio, 21 Israeli forces were wounded.

Israeli forces withdrew from Al Aqsa Mosque compound, allowing Palestinians trapped inside to leave.

Others however, chose to remain and have embarked on the cleaning up process.