Israeli police remove East Jerusalem barricades after protests

The ban on gatherings near Al-Aqsa Mosque and an anti-Arab march by far-right Israelis triggered days of confrontations.

Israeli police on Sunday removed barricades from near the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, in a move apparently aimed at easing tensions after days of violent confrontations. The barricading of the area near the Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem’s walled Old City – a popular gathering place for Palestinians during the holy month of Ramadan – was partly blamed for several nights of tensions. Israeli police said the barriers were put in place as part of coronavirus restrictions.