Tensions Reach a Peak in Jerusalem as Israeli Warplanes Strike Syria and Hundreds of Jews Visit Al-Aqsa Compound

Tensions between Jewish and Muslim worshippers reached a peak in Jerusalem on Sunday, with simultaneous religious rituals at a volatile shrine. At the same time, Israeli warplanes and artillery struck targets in Syria following rare rocket fire from the northeastern neighbor.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that fighter jets had hit targets, including “military radars systems and artillery posts,” and “a military compound of the Fourth Division of the Syrian Armed Forces.” The statement also said that strikes had been made on rocket launchers that had fired toward Israeli territory.

The IDF also said that six rockets had been launched from Syria toward Israel in two separate batches, three of which had been intercepted. Hundreds of Jews visited the Al-Aqsa compound under heavy police guard, to whistles and religious chants from Palestinians protesting their presence.

Meanwhile, thousands of Jewish worshippers gathered at the city’s Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews can pray, for a mass priestly benediction prayer service for the Passover holiday.

The area borders Syria, which has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011, and tensions between the two countries have been high in recent years. Sunday’s events have further heightened the tension between the two countries, and between Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem.