Clashes break out on Temple Mount as it reopens to Jewish visitors

Clashes broke out on Temple Mount between Palestinian rioters and Israel Police on Thursday morning, as Jewish visitors arrived at the holy site on Israel’s Independence Day after almost two weeks of the compound’s closure to Jews.

During the visits, dozens of rioters threw stones and other items at police officers securing the visits, lightly injuring one, the Jerusalem police spokesperson said in a statement.

Rioters were pushed back from the Jewish visitors and withdrew to one of the Temple Mount’s mosques, and from there continued to throw objects. The last few weeks have seen rioters barricade themselves inside the mosques and throw firebombs, stones, and fireworks from the structure.

“Anyone who disturbs the order, incites violence, riots and acts of violence of any kind — will be treated harshly and with zero tolerance,” said the spokesperson.

Police warned against incitement and false information spreading on social media, saying that its aim was to escalate violence. The police also clarified that there has been no change in policy on the restrictions placed on Jewish Israelis and tourists in relation to prayer.

Palestinians hang a giant banner during Eid al-Fitr prayers which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City May 2, 2022. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)After the intention to open the Temple Mount for entry to Jews was announced on Tuesday, Palestinian terrorist organizations renewed threats against Israel, which have been made periodically as Ramadan riots have persisted. The riots were sparked in large part over rumors and panic that Jews were seeking to engage in worship and Passover sacrificial practices on the Mount, or to take full religious control over the Temple Mount.

Hamas Spokesperson Abdel Latif Al-Qanou threatened that Jewish visitation to the holy site would serve as a “detonator for a new confrontation.”

After Palestinian media reported that prayer at the al-Aqsa mosque was being limited due to the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Western Wall, which is a retaining wall for the compound, Palestinian Islamic Jihad said that such action was a red line and that Israel would be responsible for the consequent situation.

“Settler calls to storm Al-Aqsa are a war against our people and our sanctities, and we will not hesitate to defend our Aqsa and our sanctuaries,” said the terrorist organization.

Hamas announced on Wednesday that a delegation of senior members would be discussing the situation on the Temple Mount with Russia. It was reported by pro-Hezbollah Lebanese Al-Mayadeen TV that Hamas representatives would meet with Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov and possibly Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.