Palestinians Attack Israeli Police in Temple Mount riots, 100 Rioters Injured

(JNS.org) Palestinians hurled rocks and other objects at Israeli police Thursday in the latest riots at the Temple Mount.

According to reports, at least 100 Palestinians were injured in clashes when police entered the Temple Mount compound to control the riots. Most of the injuries were mainly caused by rubber bullets, burns and bruises. Israeli police said the Palestinians attacked them with rocks when they entered the compound. 

“Police personnel deployed in increased numbers on the Temple Mount, at the gates and entrances to ensure security and order, and will respond harshly to any attempt to breach public order and to harm civilians or police,” the Israel Police said in a statement.

The rioting occurred as Palestinians returned to worshipping on the Temple Mount, following a boycott over Israeli security measures enacted in the aftermath of the July 14 Arab terror attack that killed Israeli police officers near the holy site.

More riots are expected Friday, with Palestinian leaders from the Fatah faction and the Hamas terror group calling for a “day of rage.”

Maj.-Gen. Yoram Halevi, an Israeli police commander for the Jerusalem District, warned Palestinian rioters to refrain from attacking police or civilians Friday.

“Do not test us tomorrow, and no one should be surprised if there are injuries on the other side,” Halevi said Thursday, adding, “I call on the leadership of the other side act to calm the atmosphere, and again not to test us tomorrow.”