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ISRAELI police stormed the al-Aqsa mosque yesterday after Palestinian protesters barricaded themselves inside.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said forces moved into the mosque in Jerusalem at around 7am yesterday after police received reports that protesters were planning to disrupt visits to the area by Jewish worshippers and tourists.
Mr Rosenfeld said the protesters barricaded themselves inside the mosque and threw rocks and fireworks at police. He said police did not enter the mosque, but removed barricades around the building.
Police spokeswoman Luba Samri claimed that “suspected” pipe bombs were found at the entrance to the mosque.
There were no reports of arrests or injuries. The site was closed for three hours during the standoff but then reopened for visitors.
Abdelazem Salhab, an official with the Waqf — the Islamic body that runs the site — accused police of causing “wide damage” inside the mosque. “They smashed many windows and damaged many carpets,” he said.
“Jews have no rights in the mosque and its courtyard,” he said.
“The role of Israeli authorities as the occupying power is protecting this site from non-Muslims who plan to take it over, not helping them.”
The mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is said to be the third holiest site in Islam, but is also revered by Jews as the location of the series of temples in the ancient city.
The area is administered by Muslim authorities and is under Jordanian custody.
