Masjid Al Aqsa

As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approached, weeks of violent conflict between Israelis and Palestinians escalated on Friday night at a Muslim-Jewish religious holy site in Jerusalem. 

The Aqsa Mosque is one of the holiest places in Islam. The faithful threw stones and chairs at the police, who fired rubber-coated bullets and grenades. Palestinian military doctors said that more than 20 Palestinians were taken to the hospital, most of whom injured their eyes and faces. There are reports that more people were injured less seriously. 

The Associated Press reported that emergency services from the Palestine Red Crescent Society said 136 people were injured in the conflict. Israel said six policemen were injured. Hours earlier, Israeli and Palestinian settlers clashed on a street near Sheikh Jarrah in the eastern district of Jerusalem. Palestinian families are proceeding with court-ordered deportations. 

The conflict has been reignited in recent days. Israel’s Supreme Court is expected to rule next week on the eviction of Palestinian residents from properties claimed by Jewish settlers.

 The United Nations calls on Israel to stop all deportations in the area. The United States urges to remain calm. The US State Department said it is “deeply concerned about rising tensions and the deportation of Palestinian families.” A spokesman for the State Department said in a statement: “It is vital to avoid measures that unilaterally increase tensions or move us further away from peace.”

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry condemned the invasion of the mosque. It said:” In the coming days in a delicate period, it is vital to ensure that all parties act calmly and responsibly to ease tensions and avoid violent clashes. ” Israeli police defended the right of Palestinians to practice their sacred religious ceremonies. Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said that the illegal threats to the Occupied Palestinian Territory “violated international law, undermined the opportunity for a two-state solution, and threatened the foundations of security and stability in the region. “Violence is in danger of spreading. Enter the” Night of Destiny “on Sunday, which is the holiest night on the Islamic calendar, when believers will gather in the mosque of Al-Aqsa 

This is also the beginning of the National Day in Jerusalem, which is a national holiday for Israelis.