Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed the grounds of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem on Monday, under the protection of Israeli police, on the occasion of the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Eyewitnesses told Anadolu that the Israeli police banned, a few hours before the dawn prayer, those under 50 from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque to perform the prayer.
Witnesses said that police forces were deployed and allowed a dozen settlers to raid through the Mughrabi Gate, the “chain” gate at the western wall of the al-Aqsa Mosque.
The same source pointed out that the faithful present in the mosque protested once morest the intrusions by shouting “Allahu Akbar”, while a number of Palestinians performed the morning prayer (Duha), in front of the covered chapel.
Eyewitnesses also claimed that police chased worshipers from Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards during settler raids, noting that dozens of Palestinians have already begun the rite of “Itikaf” (spiritual withdrawal), at the mosque. Al-Aqsa.
The Department of Islamic Endowments in Jerusalem said on Sunday that 912 settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in response to the invitation of groups of settlers on the occasion of the Jewish Passover holiday, which continues until April 12.
The Israeli news channel “12” announced on Sunday that the Israeli police may close the Al-Aqsa mosque, due to repeated incursions by settlers during the last ten days of Ramadan.
However, she said Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has demanded, with the support of Defense Minister Yoav Galant, to allow settlers to invade the mosque next Wednesday which coincides with the start of the last ten days of Ramadan and the last days of the Jewish holiday of Passover.
The Israeli channel said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, having held a consultation session on Sunday with the participation of Ben-Gvir and Gallant, did not take a final decision regarding the end of the incursions during the last ten days of the Ramadan.
The situation in the city of Jerusalem has been tense since the beginning of last week, following a nighttime raid by the Israeli police to prevent worshipers from performing the “Itikaf” rite.
These repeated incursions have caused tensions and clashes in the Palestinian territories and Arab areas in Israel, as well as rocket attacks from Lebanon, Gaza and Syria.
Agence
