JERUSALEM (JTA) — Wheelbarrows filled with rocks were found throughout the Temple Mount complex, Jerusalem police said.
The police told Israeli media Monday that sweeps of the area on Sunday turned up the stockpiles of rocks, reportedly to be used for planned riots in the area. The discovery of the projectiles is what led the police to restrict entrance to the Temple Mount, Ha’aretz reported.
Also Monday, Jerusalem District Police Chief Aharon Franco called Jerusalem’s Muslim residents "ungrateful" for efforts by his force "to ensure peaceful prayers in the Temple Mount throughout the month of Ramadan" in light of violence in the capital on Sunday and Monday sparked by the Temple Mount restrictions.
His comments angered Arab leaders, who called for Franco’s resignation and accused him of restricting Muslims’ freedom of religion and worship at the site.
"The district commander should take a course in democracy and values of equality … Not all Jews are smart," said Israeli-Arab Knesset member Ahmed TIbi. "The Israel Police is hurting the Muslims’ freedom of religion and restricting prayer to over the age of 50. God himself did not set such a restriction. Even the occupation authorities must allow the freedom of worship."
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