Clashes at Temple Mount Sparked By Rumor

All it takes is a rumor and you ignite rioting when it comes to the Temple Mount. Today, Palestinians leaving the Temple Mount's al Aqsa Mosque attempted to stage a march protesting the rumor that right wing Jewish groups would be marching on to the Temple Mount and enter the mosque. Police responded and a melee ensued. Palestinians threw rocks at Jewish worshippers and police at the Western Wall.

Friday’s incident began after Muslim noon prayers. Hundreds of worshippers emerging from the two mosques in the walled compound staged a demonstration protesting the rumored plans by far right activists to enter the shrine.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said hundreds of worshippers threw rocks at police, who fired stun grenades to disperse the crowd. Najeh Bkeirat, a Muslim official at the scene, said demonstrators began throwing stones after police tried to stop their march.

Rosenfeld said 11 officers were lightly hurt by rocks. Bkeirat said about 30 Palestinians were treated at the scene for light injuries from tear gas inhalation and scuffles. Rosenfeld said no tear gas was fired and that four Palestinians were arrested.