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Israel police enter Al Aqsa mosque

Masked rioters fled into the mosque and started to throw stones and blocks at police from inside Al-Aqsa mosque

Afp July 26, 2015

palestinians hold a banner reading quot muhammad pbuh is our leader quot during a protest against blasphemy on july 24 2015 at al aqsa mosque compound in jerusalem 039 s old city photo afp

Palestinians hold a banner reading "Muhammad(pbuh) is our leader" during a protest against blasphemy on July 24, 2015 at al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's old city. PHOTO: AFP

JERUSALEM: Israeli police fought their way into Jerusalem's flashpoint Al Aqsa mosque Sunday to root out Palestinian protesters suspected of stockpiling fireworks and petrol bombs in preparation for a riot, police said.

"Masked rioters fled into the mosque and started to throw stones and blocks at police from inside Al Aqsa mosque. They threw fireworks directly at police," a statement said, adding that a number of police were wounded.

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"In light of the severe confrontation and the escalating actions of the rioters and with the aim of preventing further injury to police... force entered a number of metres (yards) inside and closed the doors to the mosque with the rioters inside, restoring order."

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