Worshippers at the Al-Aqsa mosque on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount attacked Israeli police officers Wednesday morning, injuring two, Israeli media reported today.
Palestinians in the mosque began throwing stones at authorities, and two leaders of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement were arrested, The Jerusalem Post reported.
The altercation began when Jewish worshippers were allowed to enter the Temple Mount at 8 a.m., The Times of Israel reported.
Three suspects were arrested, and the mosque returned to normal operations shortly after officers dispersed the crowd with pepper spray.
One of the police officers had to seek medical attention for lacerations to his face.
Two weeks ago, police arrested the head of the Islamic Movement’s northern branch, Sheikh Raed Salah, on suspicions of incitement, The Post reported.
He allegedly had accused Israel of trying to torch the Al-Aqsa mosque during a speech in Kfar Kara in the Galilee.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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