Israeli undercover police opened fire on Palestinian protesters in East Jerusalem on Friday after trying to arrest a Palestinian youth.
The violence followed new Israeli restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshippers into East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque ahead of weekly Friday prayers.
Israeli police deployed thousands of personnel and erected roadblocks on major roads leading to Jerusalem's Old City.
Clashes erupted following Friday noon prayers in the Wadi Joz neighborhood near the Old City.
Three Israeli undercover police, posing as Arab protesters, attempted to arrest a Palestinian man as he clashed with Israeli soldiers.
The three Israeli police agents, however, were attacked by Palestinian protesters.
The three men shot at Palestinian demonstrators and into the air after their cover was blown, with three other undercover police joining them. Together, they managed to arrest the Palestinian man.
No casualties were reported as a result of the melee.
Late Thursday, two Palestinians were killed and dozens injured by Israeli gunfire during clashes between angry protesters and Israeli forces at the Qalandia checkpoint.
Tension continues to run high in the occupied West Bank amid Israel's devastating onslaught on the blockaded Gaza Strip, which continued unabated on Friday.
At least 828 Palestinians have been killed in the strip, the vast majority civilians, since Israel's offensive began on July 7.
Over the same period, a total of 35 Israelis – 33 soldiers and two civilians – have also been killed.
By Turgut Alp Boyraz
englishnews@aa.com.tr
www.aa.com.tr/en
