Jerusalem, July 21 (RHC)-- Israeli forces have injured at least 50 Palestinians in a fresh crackdown on protesters demanding an end to restrictions outside the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied East Jerusalem. 

Clashes between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli regime forces outside the mosque compound continued for a sixth consecutive day on Thursday as Israeli officials refused to heed growing international calls to remove metal detectors recently installed at the entrance to the religious site.  Reports said some of those injured in the clashes were in serious condition and at least one protester needed surgery. 

The clashes came after worshippers massed outside the mosque for evening prayers.  Like previous days this week, Muslims followed recommendations by clerics not to submit to the new Israeli measures by passing through the detectors to enter the mosque. 

Israel placed the detectors in front of the site, generally known as the Noble Sanctuary, on July 14th after a reported shootout near the compound left two Israeli soldiers and three Palestinians dead.  Israelis have refused calls for the removal of the detectors which have been contested by Jordan, the official custodian of the area. 

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, issued a statement on Thursday, saying Friday would be "a day of rage" against Israel.  "Let Friday be a turning point in the battle in the defense of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa," Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh added in a televised speech.