Second Intifada Erupts as Temple Mount Clashes Kill Seven Palestinians
Day after Sharon's visit, widespread Palestinian riots erupt across territories as Israeli police kill seven at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Second Palestinian Intifada exploded into life today as Israeli security forces killed seven Palestinians and wounded over 200 during massive riots at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, triggered by yesterday’s controversial visit by Ariel Sharon.
Following Friday prayers, thousands of Palestinians emerged from the mosque throwing stones at Israeli police positioned at the Western Wall below. Israeli forces stormed the compound, firing rubber-coated bullets and live ammunition at demonstrators in scenes reminiscent of the deadly 1990 Temple Mount killings.
The violence quickly spread throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with Palestinians attacking Israeli checkpoints and settlements. The riots represent the worst violence since the 1996 tunnel riots and mark a dramatic escalation after months of growing tensions.
“This is the Al-Aqsa Intifada,” declared Marwan Barghouti, a Fatah leader in the West Bank. “The Palestinian people will defend their holy places and their rights with all means available.”
Israeli officials blame Palestinian leaders for orchestrating violence to pressure Israel after the Camp David failure. “The Palestinian Authority has chosen the path of violence instead of negotiations,” stated Israeli police minister Shlomo Ben-Ami.
The uprising appears more violent than the First Intifada, with Palestinian security forces joining demonstrations and both sides using firearms. The death toll and intensity suggest this marks not just riots but the beginning of a new phase of conflict.
The Second Intifada’s eruption effectively ends the seven-year Oslo peace process, ushering in what many fear will be a prolonged period of bloodshed.