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Photo:
Scene. Published by Maan News
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BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- After a night of unrest at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, fresh clashes broke out Wednesday between Israeli forces and Muslim worshipers protesting new metal detectors installed at the compound, as the site was closed to non-Muslim visitors after a group of right-wing Israelis attempted to pray in the compound.

Some 70 people were injured, three seriously, during Isha prayers Tuesday night, including journalists, medics, and Sheikh Akrama Sabri, head of High Islamic Committee, who underwent surgery after being shot by Israeli police with a rubber-coated steel bullet and beaten with batons.

Clashes broke out anew midday Wednesday following Dhuhr prayers, with Israeli forces firing tear gas canisters and stun grenades at worshipers at the Lions’ Gate entrance to Al-Aqsa, where protests have been ongoing since the metal detectors were installed Sunday in response to a deadly shoot-out at the compound two days prior.

Protesters chanted patriotic and religious slogans, shouting, "The sovereignty over (Al-Aqsa) is ours as god's will! We are here at your service (Al-Aqsa)!"

Israeli forces detained two Palestinians amid the clashes, local sources said.