New clashes between Palestinians and Israelis around the al-Aqsa mosque

Palestinian Muslims in front of the Dome of the Rock, near the al-Aqsa Mosque, in the Old City of Jerusalem this Sunday, April 17, 2022. AFP - AHMAD GHARABLI

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More than twenty people were injured, this Sunday, April 17, during clashes between Palestinians and Israelis on and around the esplanade of the Mosques, in Jerusalem.

After violent clashes on Friday, young Palestinian demonstrators wanted to protest this time, at the opening, on this festive day, of the esplanade to Jewish visitors.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem,

Michel Paul

For the second time in 48 hours, the Israeli police force entered the esplanade of the Mosques this Sunday, in the old city of Jerusalem.

She used rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades to push back a few hundred demonstrators, many of whom were masked and armed with iron bars.

►Also listen: “There is a constant level of exasperation in the Occupied Territories”

Israeli Border Police patrol outside the Lion's Gate in Jerusalem's Old City as Palestinians wait to be allowed into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday.

AFP - AHMAD GHARABLI

What caused this renewed tension was the opening of the site, which houses the third holiest site in Islam, to Jewish visitors, on this feast day for the three religions: Easter, Passover and the fast of Ramadan.

These clashes left more than twenty wounded on the Palestinian side.

Several dozen demonstrators were apprehended by Israeli security forces.

►To re-read: Tensions in Jerusalem, many injured during clashes on the esplanade of the Mosques

Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli police inside the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, Friday, April 15, 2022. AFP - AHMAD GHARABLI

These new clashes come as Israel decided to lift the hermetic closure of the West Bank and Gaza, imposed on the first day of Passover.

This tension could have political consequences in Israel.

The Islamic Ra'am party could suspend its participation in the coalition, which would deal a fatal blow to the government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

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