WASHINGTON
The U.S. voiced concern Thursday over violent confrontations at a holy site in Jerusalem that left scores injured.
Israeli security forces and a number of Jewish settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem on Wednesday, according to Palestinian officials.
A Palestinian guard at the complex said Israeli security forces stormed the compound's courtyards through the Al-Magharbeh and Al-Silsila gates and began firing rubber bullets at worshippers and religious students, leaving scores injured.
“The confrontation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque yesterday is also of particular concern,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters, adding that “reports of damage to the mosque are deeply disturbing.”
The violence came as several extremist Jewish groups called for mass intrusions into the mosque after the shooting a week ago of rabbi Yehuda Glick, who campaigned for greater Jewish access to the site.
For Muslims, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world's third holiest site. Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, which tradition holds was the site of two Jewish temples.
Fears have risen that mounting violence could lead to a third intifada, or Palestinian uprising. The last intifada started in 2000, and is largely recognized to have ended in 2005.
Psaki called on Palestinian and Israeli leaders to do more to stem rising tensions in Jerusalem.
The city is holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims.
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