Occupied Jerusalem, April 07 (QNA) -Israeli occupation authorities continue to close the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under the pretext of a “state of emergency” and security concerns.

During the closure, occupation forces impose strict military measures around the Al-Aqsa Mosque and close the gates of Jerusalem’s Old City, amid a marked escalation of tensions, according to Palestinian News Agency (WAFA).

This comes after the extremist Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday evening through the Mughrabi Gate, under heavy guard by occupation forces.

The Israeli occupation authorities are exploiting this pretext to consolidate their control over Al-Aqsa Mosque, at a time when popular and Jerusalemite calls are escalating to mobilize towards the nearest military checkpoints and barriers surrounding it, in an attempt to break the siege imposed on it and force its reopening.

Official and religious bodies are warning of the danger of the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque, considering it a blatant violation of freedom of worship and a dangerous escalation that necessitates urgent international intervention to halt these measures. (QNA)