Israeli officials closed Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site, revered by Jews and Muslims, after a firebomb was thrown at a police station on the compound, VOA news reports.
Police on Tuesday clashed with dozens of Palestinians at the compound revered by Jews as Temple Mount, and by Muslims as Haram al-Sharif or Noble Sanctuary. All worshippers were evacuated from the compound. Police said it would reopen to worshippers and visitors Wednesday.
Israeli police also took the unusual measure of closing all gates to the Old City, allowing only residents access to the Muslim and Christian quarters.
The incident further heightened tensions at the flashpoint site, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and gold-topped Dome of the Rock.
Firas Dibs, spokesman for the Waqf, the Jordanian-appointed Islamic body that administers the site, said at least six Palestinians were arrested and 10 injured in the clashes. But Israeli police would only confirm three arrests.
The closure of the compound drew quick rebuke from leaders around the Muslim world.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denounced the “dangerous Israeli escalation” and warned of “serious repercussions.”
Abdul Nasser Abul al-Basal, Jordanian minister of Islamic affairs, told state-run Al-Mamlaka TV that the closure was an “attack on religious freedom.”
The United Nations Middle East envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, called for calm.
I am following events at the holy esplanade in #Jerusalem with concern. Places of worship are for prayer, not for provocations and violence. Restraint must be shown to avoid inflaming an already tense situation. The status quo must be fully respected by all. #UN
— Nickolay E. MLADENOV (@nmladenov) 12 марта 2019 г.