Faizel Patel, 2016-06-26
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says they are not aware and could not confirm if any South Africans were amongst those arrested in Jerusalem during a raid by Israeli forces.
It’s understood that several Palestinian worshipers have been hurt after they clashed with Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday following protests against Jewish visits at the site during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Reports have emerged several people were also arrested, three among them South Africans.
A police spokesperson questioned by AFP says he was not aware of Israeli officers using force against Palestinians, but images posted on social media show police dragging a man with a bloodied face and head.
According to Al Jazeera, Palestinian officials say the trouble began when Israel allowed Jewish visitors into the compound in breach of a tradition that only allows Muslim worshippers to enter during the last ten days of Ramadan.
In a text message to Radio Islam, International Relations Nelson Kgwete said: “I am not aware of the arrest…I can’t confirm.”
The last ten days of Ramadan are the most solemn for Muslims and attracts the highest number of worshippers to Al-Aqsa.
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