World: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) used stun grenades and rubber bullets against Palestinians outside the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, where thousands of worshipers had been attending Friday prayers, piercing a half-day of calm brought on by a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This came hours after the truce agreement between both the groups was released.
The officers moved on to the compound as thousands of worshipers chanted in solidarity with Gaza and with Palestinian residents of the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, where some Palestinian families are facing eviction.
A local Media house stated,” the Israeli government, by continuing its policy of provocation, attacks and incursions, is challenging international efforts that have been made to reach a calm and stop the violence and escalation in Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories, and to stop the aggression on Gaza.”
At noon, thousands of Palestinians gathered in the compound surrounding the mosque for Friday prayers. An Israel police spokesperson stated that some of the Palestinians pelted stones and hurled petrol bombs towards them, refueling the paused attacks. The police officers responded by using stun grenades to chase away protesters. A sudden bout of fear spread amongst the attendants. Nearly 20 injuries were reported after the recent clash.
The mosque and evictions have been the key agenda of the IDF since the conflict originated. The ceasefire treaty at 2 am had given peace, albeit for hours, the Gazans celebrated the end of the worst conflict of history.