Far-right mobs target mosque in city of Lod

With Israeli ultra-nationalists marching through it, the city of Lod, known as Lydd to Palestinians, has reached boiling point.

Israeli mobs attacked the Great Omari Mosque of Lod, while appeals broadcast on the mosque’s loudspeaker called on locals to protect it.

Earlier today, Israel announced a curfew between 8pm and 4am local time (5pm-1am GMT) as tensions continued to spiral. A state of emergency was also announced in the area, with a police spokesperson announcing that people would be forbidden from gathering in public spaces or leaving their homes.

Videos from the city showed confrontations near the mosque, as inside people shouted and ran frantically.

#عاجل مستوطنون يطلقون النار على المسجد الكبير بمدينة اللد المحتلة. pic.twitter.com/t2mzGzXBEG

— وكالة شهاب للأنباء (@ShehabAgency) May 12, 2021

MEE’s correspondent on the ground described an atmosphere of rising anxiety and tension.

On Monday evening, a Palestinian man was killed by police in the city. The man, identified as Moussa Hassona, was seen lying on the ground with people crowded around him and calling for medical attention.

Protests have gripped the city in recent days, as Palestinians express their anger at attacks on al-Aqsa and airstrikes on Gaza.