Israeli forces fire on Palestinian at entrance to Al-Aqsa Mosque

By Mucahit Aydemir

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israeli forces opened fire on a Palestinian at the entrance of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem late Friday, according to security sources.

Israeli police claimed in a statement that a Palestinian attempted to take the weapon of an Israeli policeman near the Bab al-Silsila (Chain Gate) -- one of Al-Aqsa Mosque's main gates, in Old City.

Israeli police "neutralized" the Palestinian by shooting, it said.

Israeli forces were not harmed in the incident, while additional police forces were sent to the area, it said.

The statement did not give details about the status of the Palestinian and the incident.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces attacked Palestinians at the Bab al-Qattanin, one of the gates which leads into Al-Aqsa Mosque from the western side.

Israeli police battered Palestinians at the gate with truncheons, witnesses told Anadolu.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz.