Israeli soldiers entered al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Fri. as thousands of Palestinians gathered for Ramadan prayers, setting off clashes that medics said wounded over 150 Palestinians.
Videos circulating online showed Palestinians throwing rocks and police firing tear gas and stun grenades. Others showed worshippers barricading themselves inside the mosque.
This attack was a blatant provocation instigated by Israeli occupation forces, who indiscriminately targeted the mosque full of innocent Palestinian worshippers. It's also noteworthy that this comes as far-right Jewish groups have called for raids of the mosque during the Passover holiday.
Police officers were forced to act in response to Palestinian violence.They acted bravely, risking their own safety to block rioters from injuring worshippers. This is a complex and sensitive time, but Israel is dedicated to allowing freedom of worship to everyone on the Temple Mount.