Israeli police have arrested in the past week 72 Palestinians for being allegedly involved in al-Aqsa protests against Israel’s metal detectors erected at the entrances to the holy shrine.
Spokeswoman for the police Luba al-Sumari said 43 of those arrested have been charged so far.
In the past week two major arrest operations were carried out in which the 72 suspects were taken in for questioning according to her.
“Anyone involved directly or indirectly in violent riots will be arrested and prosecuted” she added.
Jerusalem saw weeks of high tensions and demonstrations last month after Israel installed metal detectors and cameras at the entrances to al-Aqsa Mosque imposing further restrictions on Palestinians’ access into the Mosque.
However the crisis was contained when Israeli authorities removed the newly installed measures amid heavy pressure from Palestinian worshipers who staged daily protests and refused to enter the site until the Israeli restrictions were removed.
