LOC10:35
07:35 GMT
GAZA, April 13 (KUNA) -- A large Israeli force broke into the squares of the Holy Aqsa Mosque in occupied Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Sunday morning and attacked worshippers, which resulted in fierce confrontations.
The forces came through Bab Al-Magharbeh and used concussion bombs and tear gas canisters against Palestinians who were fighting back the incursion. The Israeli soldiers surrounded a large number of worshippers and young Palestinians in the Qibli Mosque after using rubber bullets against them, and then chained the doors.
According to local radio stations, "worshippers who had been staying at the mosque threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who beat up many of the Palestinians badly, and a number of Palestinians were arrested."
This comes only days after statements by extremist Jewish groups declaring intentions to break into the Aqsa Mosque squares on Monday with support from the Israeli government. This coincides with the sacrifice and other Jewish rites marking Passover.
The police break-in into the mosque today is thus seen by many as an attempt to clear the way for the said Passover plans.
Before the break-in, Israeli Police initiated tough inspection guidelines upon all entrances to the Aqsa Mosque and a great number of Palestinians were denied entry.
Several Palestinian groups had over the past few days issued pleas to worshippers to come to the mosque to fight back and counter the extremist Jewish groups' plans.
The Association of Temple Organizations had on Thursday organized training on the rites that are to be performed at the Aqsa Mosque as of Monday. Jewish families and settlers were invited to take part in the activities for the next three days.(end)
mt.wsa