Palestinians wounded in Israeli attack on worshippers near Al-Aqsa

A number of Palestinian worshippers were wounded on Sunday when Israeli police attacked them outside the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Safa news agency has reported. The mosque was closed by the Israeli occupation authorities for three days from last Friday.

According to Safa, the police attacked dozens of Palestinians after the evening prayer near the Lion Gate in the perimeter wall of the Noble Sanctuary of Al-Aqsa.

Palestinians refused to enter the mosque even after it was re-opened because the Israeli police had placed electronic security sensors at all of the gates used by worshippers. The extra security system has been rejected officially and popularly by the Palestinians, as well as by Arabs and Muslims around the world.

One researcher and specialist in Jerusalem affairs explained that the sensors are intended to check Palestinians whenever they enter Al-Aqsa Mosque. Jamal Amro said that the Israeli occupation authorities want to impose full control over what is the third holiest site in the Muslim world.

Read: Israel seeks to further restrict access to Al-Aqsa Mosque

Warning that the situation at Al-Aqsa Mosque is “very dangerous”, he pointed out that while strict measures are imposed on Muslims entering the sanctuary, Jewish settlers are allowed free access under the protection of the Israeli army and police.

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Amro noted that the Israeli occupation authorities handed over the keys of Al-Qibli Mosque, the old Mosque and Al-Marwani Mosque within the Noble Sanctuary compound. Only a few of the gates used by worshippers were opened, he added.