Surge of violence in Israel

In Israel, protests by Palestinians at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that began on Sept. 13 escalated into a series of stabbings and police retaliations in late September and into October. 

As of press time, Israeli security forces had killed at least 60 Palestinians and Israeli Arabs, with 11 Jewish Israelis killed in knife and gun attacks during the violence. Many more people were injured. Attacks occurred mostly in Jerusalem but also in the West Bank and other Israeli cities.

Protests began when Israel was accused of attempting to change an agreement in which Jews are allowed to visit the Temple Mount but not pray there. Jordan administers the Temple Mount, and a deal between Jordan and Israel reaffirming the original agreement was negotiated on Oct. 24.