In pictures: For the first time since the occupation of Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque is completely closed
For the first time since the occupation of Jerusalem in 1967, the Israeli authorities imposed a complete siege on Al-Aqsa Mosque and closed all of its gates and prevented Muslims from entering and performing their prayers on Thursday. Dozens of worshippers performed the five Prayers at Al-Aqsa Gates and in the alleys of the Old City of Jerusalem after they were prevented from entering Al-Aqsa. Only eight worshippers were able to perform the Dawn Prayer inside Al-Aqsa including the director of Al-Aqsa and some of the guards while the “Muezzin” and “Imam” were prevented from entering the Mosque. The number of worshippers who performed the Noon, Afternoon, Evening and Night Prayers did not exceed 30 (Al-Awqaf employees). The authorities closed all of Al-Aqsa Gates and deployed their forces at the Gates and established iron barricades. They assaulted the Marabouts while they were in Al-Wad Street and fired sound grenades and rubber bullets towards them. It is noteworthy that the forces also prevented nearly 500 students of Al-Aqsa Schools from entering and attending their schools inside the courtyards of the Mosque. A complete strike was carried out in Jerusalem in support of Al-Aqsa and to condemn the Martyrdom of Mou’taz Hijazi. Scattered clashes broke in the neighborhood of Ras Al-Amoud, Herod’s Gate, the village of Esawyeh, Al-Thori and Shu’fat refugee camp between the Israeli forces and the young men.
.
