Clashes on Temple Mount, Police Lock Palestinian Rioters Inside Al-Aqsa Mosque

Clashes erupted early Monday morning between Palestinian youths and police on the Temple Mount, the site of the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, following morning prayers.

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A police force broke into the compound, surprising the suspects, after it obtained intelligence showing that Palestinian youths were planning to confront police and disrupt the order at the site.

The suspects set up barricades at the entrance to the mosque after gathering rocks and preparing firecrackers and firebombs inside the mosque, a statement issued by the Jerusalem police said.

Using crowed dispersal means, the police was able to push the rioters back inside the mosque, dismantle the barricades and close the doors, locking the rioters inside the mosque.

Police said the Temple Mount will be opened to visitors as usual. The compound was closed for non-Muslims on Sunday due to inter-religious tensions, as Jews celebrate the holiday of Sukkot.

On Wednesday, clashes erupted between the police and Palestinian rioters. Dozens of Palestinians, some wearing masks, hurled rocks and firecrackers at police officers, who were able to push the rioters back into the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Two firebombs were thrown from inside the mosque, police said. Three policemen were wounded in the incident. Police arrested five protesters.