Israeli police use pepper spray on Muslims barred from Al-Aqsa Mosque

World Today

Clashes erupted in East Jerusalem after Friday prayers at a Muslim holy site as tensions remain high following arrest sweeps in the west bank by Israel’s army. CCTV America’s Stephanie Freid reports.

Hundreds of Muslim men barred from praying in the Al-Aqsa Mosque because they are under the age of 50 resorted to praying on the streets of East Jerusalem.

On high alert, Israel’s riot police stood by, armed and ready for confrontation. Air surveillance backed up forces on the ground. But the prayers were calm and quiet, and the men disbanded peacefully.

It was then that without any provocation, riot police on foot and horseback went on the offensive and fired stun grenades and sprayed tear gas. When asked about the action, one security agent said they wanted to clear the streets.

The shooting and spraying continued as undercover agents nabbed and arrested two suspected inciters. Palestinian sources said one of the people apprehended was a 14-year-old special-needs boy.

Clashes at Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third-holiest site, have been ongoing for weeks. Palestinians said Israel is trying to claim the mosque while international attention is focused on the Islamic State.

When Israel’s forces were satisfied they had accomplished their mission, they retreated and traffic began flowing again.