Palestinian Official: Attack On Al-Aqsa Mosque Is Tantamount To Declaration Of War

JAKARTA - Palestinian officials called the attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound tantamount to a declaration of war, asking the international community to intervene.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for the President of the State of Palestine called on the international community to intervene in the events on the Temple Mount in East Jerusalem before they spiral out of control.

"The actions of the Israeli police, who stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the interior prayer room of Al Qibli are tantamount to a declaration of war on Palestine," Abu Rudeineh said, according to WAFA, as quoted from TASS April 16.

"Immediate intervention from the international community is needed to stop this aggression against Al-Aqsa Mosque and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control," he added.

Earlier, Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi demanded that Israel withdraw police and special forces from the Jerusalem Mosque.

In turn, Al Aqsa Imam Ekrima Sabri told Al Jazeera that the violence was provoked by the Jewish settlers, who are backed by the Israeli military and police.

According to WAFA, 153 Arabs injured during the clashes needed medical assistance, with another 30 being treated in hospital with rubber bullet wounds. According to the news agency, about 400 people were detained for clashes with the military and police. At least eight Israelis were injured.

As previously reported, hundreds of Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli riot police inside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Friday, marking a new chapter of increased violence that has raised fears of a return to last year's clashes.

Most Palestinian injuries were caused by rubber bullets, stun grenades and beatings with police batons, said the Palestinian Red Crescent, in the most sensitive location in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli security forces have been on high alert after a series of deadly street attacks across the country over the past two weeks. The confrontation at the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem's walled Old City poses the risk of a larger, wider clash like last year's Gaza war.

Worshippers shout "We will help you with our souls and blood oh Aqsa" as they defend Al Aqsa Mosque from the occupation forces. pic.twitter.com/lEQKZlDfHr

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