Occupied Jerusalem, March 23 (QNA) - The Israeli occupation forces have continued to close Al-Aqsa Mosque and ban the access of worshipers for the 24th consecutive day by allegedly linking the security situation with the US-Israeli war on Iran.
"This arbitrary and unjustified measure is a dangerous precedent, as Al-Aqsa Mosque has not witnessed a complete closure since 1967 during the holy month of Ramadan, nor a complete deprivation of religious rituals in this manner", reported the Palestinian WAFA News Agency.
Occupation forces had prevented Palestinians from performing Taraweeh prayers during last Ramadan in several neighborhoods of occupied Jerusalem, deployed around Damascus Gate and Herod’s Gate, and forced them to leave the area in an attempt to disperse them and prevent any gatherings for prayer.
This comes amid a heavy deployment around Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City, as occupation forces impose strict restrictions on movement, close several gates, and prevent gatherings, while the measures have also affected Waqf staff themselves, with a reduction in the number allowed to enter, which impacts the daily management of the mosque.
The closure comes as part of broader escalating restrictions, coinciding with a comprehensive lockdown on the West Bank and rising regional tensions. (QNA)