20,000 worshippers prayed in al-Aqsa defying Israeli restrictions

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
1 Mar 2024 19:17
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Israeli occupation forces continue to impose restrictions and assault Palestinian worshippers heading to al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers.

Israeli occupation forces assault and detain a Palestinian man heading for Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque, in the Old City, occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, March 1, 2024. (AP)

Around 20,000 Muslim worshippers performed the Friday prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque despite Israeli restrictions, the Islamic Awqaf al-Quds Department announced on Friday.

The Department responsible for managing affairs in the mosque and Islamic endowments in occupied al-Quds made the announcement today following weeks of extreme restrictions forced on worshippers heading to one of Islam's holiest sites. Israeli occupation forces barricaded several gates leading to the Mosque from its vicinity and the Old City; a practice that has been heavily employed since October 7.

Israeli occupation forces also physically and verbally assaulted several worshippers heading for the Friday prayers. Others were also physically assaulted while praying near Bab al-Absat. A woman and a young man were also beaten out of consciousness, according to locals. The IOF eventually detained the two.

Local sources revealed that Israeli forces also stopped several citizens and searched them, denying them entry to the Old City, which leads to al-Aqsa Mosque.

It is worth noting that Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank are required to hold permits, issued by Israeli authorities, allowing them to travel to al-Aqsa Mosque to pray, despite the site being a symbol for Palestinians and Muslims around the world.

Fears of 'explosive' Ramadan push official action against Ben-Gvir

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli war cabinet revoked Israeli occupation Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's jurisdictions over al-Aqsa Mosque. Ben-Gvir had proposed a plan that prohibited the access of Muslim worshippers from the occupied territories in 1948 and the West Bank to al-Aqsa Mosque during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had succumbed to Ben-Gvir's demands previously, the Israeli war cabinet opposed the measure fearing the fueling of tensions. The cabinet also removed the Police Minister from its work schedule and confirmed it would be making decisions on his behalf, the Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported.

It was additionally reported that war cabinet members Benny Gantz, Yoav Gallant, and Gadi Eisenkot urged Netanyahu to prohibit Ben-Gvir from partaking in decisions affecting the holy site, saying "In an exploding issue, there is no space for foreign and political considerations."

In response, Ben-Gvir said he is certain Netanyahu will deny what has been reported.