Muslims boycotted a Jerusalem holy site for the third day running yesterday after Israeli authorities installed metal detectors and cameras at entrances to the sensitive compound following an attack that killed two policemen.
As in previous days, dozens of worshippers prayed outside the Haram al-Sharif compound, rather than enter through the metal detectors.
The attack and new security measures have increased Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
Protests and scuffles between demonstrators and Israeli police have erupted outside the site, which includes the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa mosque.
A 17-year-old Palestinian who was injured Monday during clashes in the Silwan area of east Jerusalem was in critical condition, according to official Palestinian news agency WAFA, which said he had been shot. Palestinian hospital Makased, where the 17-year-old was being treated, alleged in a statement yesterday that Israeli forces had entered the hospital and were disrupting operations. Israeli police said six arrests had been made overnight in two separate areas of Jerusalem.
Police say a number of Muslims have been entering the compound, though they did not provide a number yesterday.
The compound has appeared largely empty.
Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said “we refuse these dangerous measures that will lead to a ban on the freedom of worship and will obstruct the movement of the faithful”. On Friday, three Arab Israelis opened fire on police before fleeing to the compound, where security forces shot them dead.
Israel closed the site for two days following the attack, angering many.
Israel said the closure was necessary to carry out security checks.
The site reopened on Sunday, but with metal detectors at entrances.
Palestinians view the move as Israel asserting further control over the site.
Palestinian protesters destroy a mock metal detector during a protest against Israel’s newly-installed security measures at the entrance to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, in the West Bank city of Nablus yesterday.
