Quiet has been restored to the Temple Mount and worshippers are arriving safely for the last Friday prayers of Ramadan 2022, Israel Police reported Friday morning after an outbreak of violence following dawn prayers at the site.
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"This morning also saw the dissemination of false information and reports on Arab social media about what was happening on the Temple Mount in an attempt to deceive the public and incite it. The Israel Police will continue to allow prayers to go ahead as usual," a police statement read.
When the early morning prayers drew to a close earlier Friday, several hundred Muslim worshippers began rioting in the compound, throwing rocks and fireworks at the back of the Western Wall. One of the rocks appeared to have landed on the Western Wall plaza.
In response, the Jerusalem police chief ordered a contingent of police to enter the Temple Mount compound and used rubber bullets and stun grenades to push the rioters back.
Video: Israel Police
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that at least 12 Palestinians were injured.
"We will continue to act decisively against rioters and outlaws for public safety and security," the police said in a statement.
"Thus far the police have arrested two suspects, one who was spotted throwing rocks, and a second who was detained in suspicion of inciting the crowd. More arrests are expected," the police said.
Meanwhile, the Israel Antiquities Authority was weighing the possibility of removing antiquities the rioters displaced from the Temple Mount. During recent unrest, rioters threw rocks and chunks of smashed ancient artifacts and used some of the debris to block paths designated for Jewish visitors to the Mount.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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