Occupation forces lay siege to Al-Aqsa while settlers storm it

Hundreds of settlers entered the holy grounds of Al-Aqsa Mosque to perform religious rituals under the protection of occupation authorities which had imposed a siege on the area and its surroundings since the early hours of this morning, barring Palestinians from entering.

Eye-witnesses said that around 200 Israeli extremists stormed the mosque this morning, performing Talmudic rituals in the holy grounds under the protection and support of occupation forces, whilst Palestinian citizens of Jerusalem were prevented from reaching the mosque for the dawn prayer.

One of the guards of Al-Aqsa mosque said that one of the extremists attempted to assault Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab, president of the Islamic Awqaf, forcing staff to intervene until the occupation police moved the settler away.

Witnesses confirmed that the occupation authorities imposed a complete ban on access to the mosque for those wishing to pray.

The Department of Awqaf said that all efforts are being made to maintain the opening of Al-Aqsa Mosque for citizens. Meanwhile, calls are being made with different parties in order to evict the Jewish extremists from the mosque. Awqaf officials point out that Israel is trying to implement a policy aimed at dividing the mosque as part of its Judaisation plan.

Images from Arabs48