Special Forces and settlers break into Al-Aqsa
Israeli Special Forces broke into Al-Aqsa on Wednesday morning through Al-Silsileh and Dung gates, and closed the gates of Al-Qibali Mosque using iron chains; they also assaulted the worshippers that were staying at Al-Aqsa and sprayed them with pepper gas. Witnesses said that Special Forces broke-in Al-Aqsa Mosque on Wednesday morning and were deployed in its courtyards before the settlers started their break-ins, and in order to secure their tours in Al-Aqsa on occasion of the “Sukkot” holiday. Witnesses also said that a group of settlers broke into Al-Aqsa and were confronted by dozens of young men who were staying at Al-Aqsa as they threw stones at them and chanted “God is Great”. The Special Forces surrounded the young men inside Al-Qibali Mosque and closed its gates and sprayed them with pepper gas, and then arrested Tamer Shalayta along with arresting two other young men from Al-Aqsa courtyards. The Israeli forces closed all of Al-Aqsa gates and prevented Muslims of all ages from entering; they also prevented Al-Aqsa students from getting to their schools inside Al-Aqsa. The Muslim worshippers were gathered at Al-Aqsa gates where there was high tension as they tried to break the rule of preventing them from entering. Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the police assaulted the women who were present near Hutta gate and arrested a Jerusalemite student while attempting to get inside Al-Aqsa. One witness said: “Al-Aqsa courtyards are now open only for settlers and foreign tourists, and are completely empty of Muslim worshippers after surrounding whoever was able to spend the night at Al-Aqsa in Al-Qibali Mosque.” Another witness explained that the young men are occasionally throwing stones at the Israeli forces where they injured 3 of them. The Israeli forces also confiscated the chairs of Al-Aqsa students (Masateb). The Center was informed that Hayat Zaghal was injured in her head and hand after being assaulted by the Israeli forces when she was at Hutta gate; she was transported to the hospital in an ambulance to receive treatment. The Israeli forces withdrew from Al-Aqsa courtyards at around 9 a.m. and took the iron chains off the gates of Al-Qibali Mosque.
