Israel says Muslim rioters 'used cynically' by those pushing for 'escalation' of violence

Israel’s military liaison to the Palestinians, Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, attempts to ease the rising tensions in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, telling Palestinians that Israel is “dedicated to allowing freedom of worship in Jerusalem to all religions,” as Muslim rioters clash with police on the Temple Mount.

“Some of those involved truly believe that they are protecting holy sites, but in fact they are desecrating them,” Alian says.

“Those involved are being riled up and used cynically by those who are trying to escalate the situation and set the area on fire, using violent and inflammatory language on social media and in the media,” he says.