Israeli forces opens fire to Palestinians near Al-Aqsa Compound
On Friday 14th July 2017, three Palestinians have been killed in Jerusalem’s old city near the Al-Aqsa compound, Islam’s third holiest site, and the 7th century Dome of the rock.
According to some sources, three Palestinians opened fire wounded three Israelis, before they were killed in gunshot.
Israeli police shot them dead suspected them after allegedly opened fire on Israelis. Police officer said, “Three gunmen reached one of the gates near the Al-Aqsa compound, opened fire and fled towards Al-Aqsa mosque where they were shot dead on Friday.”
In addition to that according to Reuters, police officer later ordered the closure of the compound. Thousands pray there every Friday. The police officer ordered, “There will be no prayers at the site on Friday.”
Al-Jazeera’s Harry Fawcett reporting from Jerusalem said, “The three attackers were armed with two machine guns, a pistol and a knife, according to Israeli police.”
He further reported, “They were then pursued inside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound. In the courtyard of the compound a final gun battle ensued between the gunmen and Israeli security forces. Two Israeli police officers were believed to be serious to critical condition.
“Management of Al-Aqsa mosque said the bodies of two Palestinians were inside the courtyard of the mosque compound. It is reportedly the first time in years that the compound would be closed for prayers on Friday. Of course this has the potential to increase tensions among the about 10,000 Palestinians who normally pray here on Fridays.”
Sheikh Omar Keswani, a religious official told Al-Jazeera, “Forbidding the Friday prayer is an unfair procedure,
“What happened earlier is now being taken advantage by the Israeli right to impose a new reality in Al-Aqsa mosque.”
Despite of that incident Israeli force shot dead armless 18 years old Palestinian during raid in Dheisheh refugee camp south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.
Correspondent: Syeda Faiza Bukhari