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Several hurt in clashes on the Temple Mount as Jewish and Muslim festivals coincide

Sunday marks both the Jewish fast day of Tisha B’Av and the beginning of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha

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Clashes broke out on the Temple Mount on Sunday morning as Muslims arrived for prayers to mark the Eid al-Adha festival, which this year coincides with the Jewish fast day of Tisha B’Av.

Israeli security forces scuffled with Palestinians at the holy site, known to Muslims as Haram esh-Sharif, after protesters had gathered amid rumours that Jewish visitors would be permitted entry.

The Jersualem Waqf, the Jordanian-run body that acts as a custodian to the Muslim portions of the site, had called for a protest over the rumours.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it called “blunt Israeli violations on the Temple Mount as Palestinians mark the first day of Eid al-Adha.”

“Jordan harshly rejects Israel's conduct, which only inflames rage and frustration and its provocations of [Muslim] worshipers on the first day of the Feast of the Sacrifice,” a spokesperson said, according to Haaretz.

Jewish visitors are routinely prevented by Israeli police from entering the Temple Mount on Muslim holy days and had initially barred a group from entering on Sunday to mark Tisha B’Av.

But later after clashes broke out on Sunday morning Israeli police reversed their decision, allowing several dozen Jewish visitors to enter under close escort.

Chairs and other objects were thrown at the group, which left the compound shortly afterwards, AP reported.

At least 14 people were wounded in the clashes with police, including one seriously, Palestinian medical sources said. Israeli police said at least four officers had been hurt.

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