3 Palestinians killed, dozens injured in clashes with Israeli police in Jerusalem
- World
- Compiled from news agencies
- Published Date: 12:00 | 21 July 2017
- Modified Date: 06:06 | 21 July 2017
Three Palestinians were killed amid clashes with Israeli police in Jerusalem after Muslim Friday prayers were held in protest outside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque due to Israel's blockade of Islam's third holiest site.
Palestinian health ministry confirmed that 18-year-old Muhammad Mahmoud Sharf from Silwan was killed by a shot in the head in Ras al-Amud, a neighborhood in the eastern part of the city.
Pictures circulating on social media showed a man in civilian clothing holding an automatic rifle, firing at protesters from a higher position.
The second reported death of the day occurred in the A-Tur (Mount of Olives) area of east Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian health officials. Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem identified 20-year-old Mohammad Abu Ghannam as the victim.
A third Palestinian was killed in clashes in Abu Dis in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian health ministry said the victim was killed after he was shot in the heart by live bullets but provided no further details on the circumstances.
The Palestinian Red Crescent says 41 Palestinians were taken to hospitals or clinics with injures from live fire, rubber bullets and beatings. About 150 Palestinians were treated for tear gas inhalation.
Associated Press footage showed police throwing stun grenades to disperse protesters in Ras al-Amud. An officer could be seen kicking a man as he kneed on a mat.
Police said Palestinians threw stones at officers.
Hundreds prayed at the shrine compound, sacred to both Muslims and Jews, police said. Friday prayers typically draw tens of thousands.
Israel installed metal detectors at gates to the site after Palestinian gunmen killed two policemen there last week.
Palestinian Muslim leaders claim the devices are an Israeli attempt to expand control over site. Prayers have been held in the streets in protest. Israel denies the allegations saying the devices are to prevent more attacks.
Sporadic scuffles erupted elsewhere in Jerusalem.