It should be noted that a number of massacres have taken place at the Al Aqsa mosque. In 1982, an Israeli fanatic managed to enter the courtyard and opened fire at the worshippers, killing three. It is no wonder then that Palestinians unite to prevent provocative visits by fanatic Jews. Sharon's visit came at a time when Israel is still refusing to comply with UNSC resolutions 242 and 338 that confirm the status of Jerusalem as an occupied city. The visit is part of a series of adverse policy measures undertaken by successive Israeli governments, such as the increase of settlement activity and the construction of tunnels and by-pass roads.
Clashes erupt following the provocative visit.
On 29 September 2000, one day following the provocative visit to the Haram al Sharif by hardliner Ariel Sharon, the leader of the Likud party, Israeli occupation forces committed a premeditated crime using excessive force against the worshipers who were in the Al Aqsa mosque for the Friday prayers. According to information gathered by LAW, a large number of Israeli security forces estimated at 2000, in addition to special units, were deployed in the early morning in the vicinity of the Haram al Sharif compound. They installed makeshift checkpoints and a large number of them were deployed on the roofs of neighbouring houses. Shooting started a few moments before the end of the prayers. Initially, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated bullets and gas bombs but later fired live ammunition.