JERUSALEM
Israeli police stormed the compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds (Jerusalem) to secure access to the site for Jewish settlers, eyewitnesses said Wednesday morning.
The Israeli police are trying to force Muslim worshippers in Al-Aqsa to evict the mosque's vicinities so as to secure the entry of settlers who want to mark the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, the eyewitnesses added.
Israeli troops also closed the compound's clinic and evicted by force Al-Aqsa guards manning al-Magharbah gate, overlooking the Buraq wall, known to Jews as the Western Wall.
Earlier in the day, clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli police near the holy site after the Israeli police prevented dozens of Muslim worshippers from performing evening prayers in the mosque.
The Israeli police allowed only worshippers over 45 to access the mosque's compound, leading to the violence, eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, has recently been the target of repeated violations by Jewish settlers, distressing Palestinian Muslims.
The Knesset (Israel's parliament) had earlier called for opening the mosque compound to Jews on all Jewish holidays.
Jews refer to Al-Aqsa as the "Temple Mount," claiming the area had been the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.
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