Footballers voice solidarity with Palestinians

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Manchester United star Paul Pogba and Inter Milan midfielder Achraf Hakimi have expressed solidarity with Palestinians after Israeli forces stormed the Al Aqsa Mosque on Monday.

"The world needs peace and love. It will soon be aid, let us all love one another. #PRAYFORPALESTINE," Pogba said on Instagram.

In a Twitter post, Hakimi wrote "#FreePalestine" to voice solidarity with Palestinians.

According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, at least 305 people were injured as Israeli police on Monday stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and attacked Palestinians who were on guard to prevent possible raids by extremist Jews.

Tensions have run high in the Sheikh Jarrah area since last week as Israeli settlers swarmed in after an Israeli court ordered the eviction of Palestinian families.

Palestinians protesting in solidarity with the residents of Sheikh Jarrah have been targeted by Israeli forces.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and annexed the entire city in 1980 – a move that has never been recognized by the international community.​​​​​​​