20 Palestinians, four Israelis injured in Jerusalem unrest

Jerusalem, Sep 25 (IANS/EFE) At least 20 Palestinians and four Israelis were injured Wednesday when clashes broke out at the entrance to Jerusalem's Temple Mount, a holy place to Jews and Muslims.

Palestinian youths battled with Israeli police following the visit of Israel's ultranationalist Housing Minister, Uri Ariel, to Temple Mount early Wednesday. The Jewish New Year began Wednesday at sundown.

Israeli police closed all the gates giving access to the compound, especially the Moroccans' Gate, Efe quoted witnesses as saying.

Muslims were prevented from praying in the al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, and those already inside were forcibly removed.

Riot police and border guards fired rubber-coated bullets and teargas into a group of Palestinians, who hurled stones and other objects at the police.

Quoting Palestinian medical sources, the Ma'an news agency reported that at least 20 Palestinians were injured by gunfire and ear-splitting sound bombs.

"Police units entered the Temple Mount area after bricks and stones were thrown at officers at Mugrabim (Moroccans) gate. The situation is under control," Israeli Police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld posted on his Twitter account.

"Four police officers were slightly injured after Arab suspects threw bricks. Suspects dispersed from area. Visits on Temple Mount continue," he tweeted.

--IANS/EFE

pv/