Under the state of emergency - Al-Aqsa Mosque closed again and the siege on the Old City was tightened
On Sunday morning, the Israeli occupation authorities re-closed Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers, with the exception of employees of the Islamic Endowment Department. This decision was made by the Israeli Home Front Command, in light of the ongoing state of emergency declared in the country as a result of the ongoing war.
This closure comes just four days after the mosque's partial reopening last Wednesday evening, during which strict restrictions were imposed on the entry of worshippers, with only 500 people allowed to enter through Hutta Gate and al-Silsileh Gate.
The scene inside Al-Aqsa Mosque resembled the early days of the war between Israel and Iran, with prayers being performed only by Endowment employees, with no general worshippers present.
According to the Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Jerusalem, the initial closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque at the beginning of the war lasted for six consecutive days.
Meanwhile, the tight siege on the Old City of Jerusalem continues for the second week in a row, with most shops closed, except for those selling essential goods. Restrictions are also imposed on the number of shoppers, with the threat of fines for violators.
The occupation forces continue to set up police checkpoints at all entrances to the Old City, restricting entry to residents only.
As part of the ongoing state of emergency, the Home Front Command announced this morning that public activities would be reduced to a minimum across the country, including closing schools, closing non-essential businesses, and banning gatherings.
