Israeli warplanes and artillery have launched attacks on targets in Syria following rocket fire from the neighboring country. These strikes occurred as tensions between Jewish and Muslim groups peaked on Sunday at a volatile shrine in Jerusalem, where simultaneous religious rituals were taking place. Thousands of Jewish worshippers gathered at the Western Wall for a mass prayer service during the Passover holiday, while hundreds of Palestinians performed prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound above the Western Wall, as part of Ramadan observances.
However, hundreds of religious and nationalist Jews also visited the Al-Aqsa compound under heavy police guard, causing protests from Palestinians who view their presence with suspicion and fear that Israel may take over or partition the site. Although Israeli officials say they have no intention of changing long-standing arrangements that allow Jews to visit, but not pray in the Muslim-administered site, the current ultra-nationalist government is viewed with concern by many Palestinians.