Palestinians denied entry to Al-Aqsa during Israeli visit

Palestinians were prevented from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound today while Israelis toured the holy site during the Jewish holiday of Purim, Witnesses said.

Witnesses told Ma’an that Israeli forces set up checkpoints near entrances leading to the holy site and held several Palestinians at Lions Gate, checking identity cards and forcing some to leave the area.

Four Palestinians were detained, including two bus drivers whose buses were confiscated, witnesses said. Two of the detainees were identified as Fatena Hussien and Jameela Ayoub.

Meanwhile more than 50 Israelis toured the mosque compound accompanied by armed Israeli forces.

Palestinian access has been restricted to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound since Tuesday, with all Palestinian men under the age of 50 denied entry.

The West Bank and Gaza Strip have been under a total closure by the Israeli military since yesterday morning, and will be sealed until midnight on Saturday due to the Purim holiday, according to the Israeli army.

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