Details- A partial opening of Al-Aqsa Mosque after a 6-day closure
On Wednesday evening, the Hutta and Al-Silsileh gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque were reopened, six days after the closure, imposed under the pretext of a "state of emergency" and in accordance with the Home Front Command's instructions prohibiting gatherings.
The two gates were opened at 6:00 PM, with restrictions on the number of worshippers. The permissible number was set at between 460 and 500. Prayers were permitted inside the prayer halls, while the presence of more than 30 people in the courtyards was prohibited.
The Home Front Command announced new instructions this afternoon, shifting from "intensified activity" to "reduced activity," permitting gatherings of no more than 30 people, provided they are able to reach a "standard protected area" during the designated time period. Educational activities remain prohibited, except as stated in the special instructions, and activities are only permitted in locations that allow quick access to the protected area.
It is worth noting that the occupation authorities closed Al-Aqsa Mosque last Friday morning, imposing a strict siege on it. Entry was restricted to employees of the Islamic Endowment Department only, through the Al-Silsileh and Lions gates.
Immediately after the two gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque were opened, dozens of Palestinians flocked to pray there. However, occupation forces stationed at the open gates, as well as at the gates of the Old City, prevented many of them from entering through strict inspection procedures and arbitrary bans.
At the same time, the siege imposed on the Old City of Jerusalem continues. Occupation forces have set up police checkpoints at all entrances, preventing entry except to residents, after checking IDs and verifying addresses.
In a parallel escalation, extremist "Temple Groups" called on their platforms to resume raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque tomorrow morning, Thursday, during the morning and afternoon incursion periods.
