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Al-Aqsa tensions straining Palestinian solidarity

The Palestinian Authority's repressive approach to recent demonstrations is leading some to wonder whether popular anger against Israel might soon be turned against Palestinian security forces.
Palestinian protesters run during clashes with Israeli troops over tension in Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque, near the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah September 29, 2015. Israeli police and Palestinians clashed on Sunday at Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque compound, where violence in recent weeks has raised international concern. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman      TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY      - RTS29AG

RAMALLAH, West Bank — While suppressing a march in Bethlehem on Sept. 18 denouncing Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque, several members of the Palestinian security forces assaulted a teenager, beating him with batons after he had fallen to the ground. Such repressive actions and others have triggered a public backlash that many observers think will put international pressure on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to resume negotiations.

Tensions between the two sides have risen in recent weeks, following accusations from Palestinians that Israeli forces have committed violations at the mosque. While the area housing the mosque — referred to by Palestinians as the Haram al-Sharif — is officially controlled by guards from the Jordanian Ministry of the Islamic Waqf and Jewish prayer is forbidden at the site, Israel has taken a number of measures to limit Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa so as not to interfere with visits by Jewish visitors. On Sept. 9, Israel issued a statement designating the Mourabitoun and Mourabitat as illegal groups. These groups, which were established seven years ago to maintain worship and conduct learning seminars at the mosque, suspend their activities when Jewish groups visit and watch them closely to ensure the ban of Jewish prayer is not violated. Israeli security forces and Palestinian worshippers have clashed a number of times this month, with each side accusing the other of provocation.

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