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Violence at Jerusalem holy site Violence at Jerusalem holy site
(30 minutes later)
Violence has broken out at Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque after Israeli police moved in to break up crowds of stone-throwing Palestinian protesters.Violence has broken out at Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque after Israeli police moved in to break up crowds of stone-throwing Palestinian protesters.
Hundreds of police poured into the disputed holy site in the Old City, firing rubber bullets and tear gas.Hundreds of police poured into the disputed holy site in the Old City, firing rubber bullets and tear gas.
There are reports that a number of Palestinians protesters have barricaded themselves inside the mosque.There are reports that a number of Palestinians protesters have barricaded themselves inside the mosque.
They have been angered by controversial renovation work on Temple Mount, known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif.They have been angered by controversial renovation work on Temple Mount, known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif.
Plan of the holy sites
The building work is a prelude to the construction of a new walkway leading to the compound containing the mosque - Islam's third holiest site.The building work is a prelude to the construction of a new walkway leading to the compound containing the mosque - Islam's third holiest site.
Palestinians say it could damage the foundations of the compound and Muslim leaders had called for a "day of anger" on Friday to voice their opposition to the move.Palestinians say it could damage the foundations of the compound and Muslim leaders had called for a "day of anger" on Friday to voice their opposition to the move.
class="bodl" href="#complex">Plan of the holy sites We are besieged. Ambulances are not allowed to enter to evacuate the injured Palestinian people. Sheikh Mohammad Hussein, speaking from inside al-Aqsa mosque
The Israeli authorities say renovations are needed to safeguard the ancient site and have guaranteed that there will be no structural damage to the area.The Israeli authorities say renovations are needed to safeguard the ancient site and have guaranteed that there will be no structural damage to the area.
SACRED TO MUSLIMS Site of Prophet Muhammad's first prayers and ascent into Heaven, home to al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock SACRED TO JEWS Site of first and second Temples and the rock on which Abraham offered his son as a sacrifice Clickable guide to holy sites
The compound is also revered by Jews as the site of their biblical temples.The compound is also revered by Jews as the site of their biblical temples.
Israeli police say 17 protesters and 15 police officers have been injured in the clashes.Israeli police say 17 protesters and 15 police officers have been injured in the clashes.
Sheikh Mohammad Hussein, who is holed up inside the mosque, spoke to the BBC by telephone saying that Israeli forces had thrown a cordon around the area and were not allowing anyone in or out.
"We are besieged. Ambulances are not allowed to enter to evacuate the injured Palestinian people. Paramedics are offering first aid to them," he said.
Dangerous flashpoint
The BBC's Matthew Price in Jerusalem says that although at present these are relatively minor skirmishes, such is the sensitivity of this site that it has the potential to trigger much greater violence elsewhere.The BBC's Matthew Price in Jerusalem says that although at present these are relatively minor skirmishes, such is the sensitivity of this site that it has the potential to trigger much greater violence elsewhere.
We are working carefully and cautiously and waiting for them to come out and leave the area Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld
An Israeli Police spokesman, Micky Rosenfeld, told the BBC that more than 2,500 police officers had been deployed in the Old City to prevent the unrest from spreading:
"We are in complete control of the situation. Our police officers and border police are located at every area in and around East Jerusalem as well as in the Temple Mount," he said.
"The rioters who have dispersed have entered inside the different areas as well as the mosque and at the moment police are not entering. We are working carefully and cautiously and waiting for them to come out and leave the area.
There have been widespread protests among Palestinians and the wider Muslim world since the excavations began on Tuesday.There have been widespread protests among Palestinians and the wider Muslim world since the excavations began on Tuesday.
SACRED TO MUSLIMS Site of Prophet Muhammad's first prayers and ascent into Heaven, home to al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock SACRED TO JEWS Site of first and second Temples and the rock on which Abraham offered his son as a sacrifice Clickable guide to holy sites
The compound area has been a flashpoint for violence since Israel captured it during the 1967 Middle East war.The compound area has been a flashpoint for violence since Israel captured it during the 1967 Middle East war.
In 1996, Israel's opening of an exit to a tunnel near the site triggered riots in which 80 people died in clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops.In 1996, Israel's opening of an exit to a tunnel near the site triggered riots in which 80 people died in clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops.
And in 2000, the Palestinian uprising began at the mosque following a controversial tour of the site by Israel's then opposition leader, Ariel Sharon.And in 2000, the Palestinian uprising began at the mosque following a controversial tour of the site by Israel's then opposition leader, Ariel Sharon.
Since 1967, the compound has remained under Muslim jurisdiction in conjunction with neighbouring Jordan.Since 1967, the compound has remained under Muslim jurisdiction in conjunction with neighbouring Jordan.
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