Temple Mount peaceful while West Bank erupts

Islamic prayers at the mosque inside Jerusalem’s Temple Mount ended peacefully Friday after Thursday clashes between Israeli police and protesters. Muslims boycotted the site for the past two weeks due to security devices Israeli police installed throughout the area. On Thursday, Islamic leaders called on local Muslims to return to prayer after police removed the metal detectors and cameras. But violence erupted Thursday when police closed one entrance due to the large number of worshippers flooding the compound. An official said tens of thousands attended prayers Friday without incident. But violence did erupt in the West Bank, where an Israeli soldier shot and killed a Palestinian after he drew a knife and ran toward troops. Palestinians threw firebombs, rocks, and burning tires at soldiers at several protest sites. An Israeli military official said the soldiers responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.