JERUSALEM – Fragments from Iranian ballistic missiles and pieces of Israeli defense systems that intercepted them scattered around Jerusalem’s historic Old City on Monday, landing near some of the world’s most revered religious locations, according to Israeli authorities.
Officials reported no injuries or significant structural damage at either the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the elevated complex known as the Al-Aqsa compound to Muslims and Temple Mount to Jews – a contested location considered sacred by both religions.
Police released photographs showing three officers removing what looked like a large circular metal missile component from a red-tiled rooftop near the Holy Sepulchre, which marks the traditional location where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and entombed, drawing pilgrims from around the globe.
Additional images revealed officers cordoning off a section of the Al-Aqsa compound’s courtyard, which also contains the iconic golden Dome of the Rock, with small debris pieces scattered across the ground.
“Jerusalem District police, bomb disposal teams, and Border Police units have secured the sites and are currently working to eliminate any remaining risk to the public,” authorities stated in an official announcement.
