'Thousands' of Israeli Jews to march on Aqsa compound

27/05/2014
Source: Ma'an News Agency

JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- The Waqf Foundation in charge of the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound said various Israeli nationalist organizations had called for a march through the compound on Wednesday.

Thousands of Israeli Jews will attend, the organization said, adding that police would close roads in East Jerusalem during the march.

Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld tweeted: "Police complete security assessments for tomorrow's "Jerusalem day" celebrations. Hundreds of officers will be involved in security measures."

Jerusalem Day is a national holiday in Israel celebrating what Israelis call the reunification of the city. The day is marked by marches through the Old City of Jerusalem by right-wing activists.

For Palestinians and the international community, East Jerusalem is considered occupied territory.

Earlier, police escorted Jewish groups through the Al-Aqsa compound, witnesses said. Some 72 Israeli Jews entered the compound as Palestinians chanted "Allahu Akbar."

Rosenfeld tweeted: "Stones thrown at visiting group on Temple Mount by Arabs. Policeman at scene injured lightly. Visits continue regularly. Situation calm."

Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the compound, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.

Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.

Link: http://maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=700205.