Israeli Forces Assault Worshipers, Deny Them Entry Into Al-Aqsa Mosque

IQNA – Israeli forces attacked worshippers near the Asbat Gate, a main entry to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied al-Quds, blocking and beating them as they tried to enter the mosque for Friday prayers.

They also assaulted people in the nearby Wadi al-Joz neighborhood, where they arrested a child, Palestinian WAFA News Agency reported. 

According to local sources, the forces stopped and searched Palestinian civilians, barring them from the Old City of Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. They set up police checkpoints and abused some of the people, especially at the Asbat Gate. They also detained a child after assaulting him near the Yeusefiya Cemetery next to it.

In spite of the Israeli forces' restrictions at the mosque's gates, a limited number of worshippers managed to pray there on Friday, facing continuous attacks and mistreatment. This was the twentieth Friday in a row with such incidents.

The Islamic Waqf said that only a few worshippers could pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque because of the Israeli occupation's restrictions and the police checkpoints in the Old City of al-Quds.

The Israeli forces had been stationed at the Old City's entrances, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, since early morning, increasing their numbers around the holy site's gates. They also raided the Dome of the Rock compound to prevent worshippers from reaching it.

Source: Agencies