Israeli forces deploy stun grenades, tear gas on Palestinians outside Al-Aqsa Mosque

Israeli forces deployed tear gas and stun grenades on hundreds of Palestinians on Saturday night as they left Al-Aqsa Mosque compound through the Damascus Gate exit in occupied East Jerusalem.

Israeli police officers reportedly pursued the worshippers in the Damascus Gate area, whilst also physically assaulting some of them during the attack, according to the Palestinian Authority's news agency Wafa.

At least nine Palestinians were injured and one was arrested.

Israel's police banned gatherings Damascus Gate area since the beginning of Ramadan last week, whilst allowing gatherings for Israeli settlers in other areas of the holy city.

Read also: Palestinians hold Aqsa prayers in largest Ramadan gathering since Covid

Frequent clashes have taken place between Palestinians and Israeli forces at the Damascus Gate area, which leads to the Old City of Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, because of multiple restrictions imposed on Palestinians which they say are unfair.

Earlier this week, Palestinians accused Israel of breaking into four mosque minarets and cutting wires to prevent the call for prayers from being broadcast on loudspeakers.

Mustafa Abu Sway of the Waqf council said the action came after Islamic officials refused to turn off loudspeakers Wednesday during a memorial for fallen Israelis at the adjacent Western Wall.

Jordan, custodian of Islamic sites in Jerusalem, condemned what it called Israel's "blatant" violation of the status quo and accused it of provocation. 

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