Israel police close gates to Al Aqsa mosque after clashes

The cause of the clashes is not clear, but videos show police firing tear gas

JERUSALEM,: Israeli police closed the gates to Jerusalem's flashpoint Al Aqsa mosque compound on Friday, after clashes erupted with Palestinian worshippers following midday prayers.

The Waqf, the religious authority that runs the mosque, confirmed the gates were closed after clashes broke out. Israeli police did not immediately comment.

An Israeli border policeman walks during clashes with Palestinians in the village of Khobar near Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank July 27, 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS

Entry into and out of the mosque, which is Islam's third holiest site, was banned, an AFP photographer said.

The cause of the clashes was not immediately clear, but videos published by the Waqf showed police firing tear gas to disperse Palestinians.



The site also includes the Western Wall, the most sacred site where Jews are currently allowed to pray, and the Dome of the Rock.

It is one of the most fractious issues in the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

A security guard walks into the Israeli settlement Adam after a Palestinian assailant stabbed three people and then was shot and killed, according to the Israeli military on July 26, 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS

In July 2017 tens of thousands of Palestinians prayed outside for weeks after Israel installed new metal detectors after an attack.

Palestinians say a visit to the site by right wing Israeli politician Ariel Sharon sparked the second intifada, or uprising, in 2000, though Israel disputes this.