“These actions have nothing to do with prayer, and in fact desecrate the [Al Aqsa] mosque and the month of Ramadan,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated.
By Terri Nir, United with Israel
Early Friday morning, on the second day of Ramadan and Passover eve, hundreds of violent Arab youths rioted on the Temple Mount – Judaism’s holiest site and Islam’s third-holiest – after the conclusion of the Muslim prayer service.
Carrying flags of Hamas and other terrorist groups, the masked youth began hurling rocks at worshipers below at the Western Wall Plaza.
Police at first refrained from entering the Al Aqsa Mosque on the site after rioters set fireworks and began throwing objects within the compound.
Masked men hurl stones and set off fireworks, desecrating Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Contrary to FAKE reports, police forces DID NOT enter the mosque. pic.twitter.com/IaXnXbcDts
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) April 15, 2022
But when Arab youth began aiming at the Western Wall Plaza, police were forced to enter the mosque.
“Dozens of masked men carrying Hamas and PA flags marched into Al-Aqsa mosque in the early morning hours, chanting inciting messages and setting off fireworks. The crowd collected stones and large rocks, which were then hurled in the direction of the Mugrabi Gate [at the Western Wall],” Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated.
Three police officers were hurt; over 150 rioters were reportedly injured and taken to a hospital in eastern Jerusalem for treatement. Over 300 Arabs were arrested.
“These actions have nothing to do with prayer, and in fact desecrate the mosque and the month of Ramadan. Police were forced to enter the grounds to disperse the crowd and remove the stones and rocks, in order to prevent further violence,” the MFA added.
“We appeal to the worshipers to maintain peaceful and calm services. The Israeli Police will not allow violent rioters to disrupt the course of worship and disturb the worshipers on this holy day.”
“Following this morning’s violent events, the Israeli Police will continue to allow and support the freedom of worship on the Second Friday of Ramadan,” the police stated.
Send Passover Packages to Needy Israeli Soldiers - Bring Them Joy!
We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Israel. Since October 7th, soldiers have been on the battlefield for months - many are hoping to come home for Passover.
Join us in sending Passover food packages (and personal notes) to Israeli soldiers and their families.
Many soldiers spend the Passover holiday with needy families back home. The soldiers greatly appreciate your love and concern. Bring them Passover joy!
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