#HandsOffAlAqsa

Human rights activists and pro-Palestinian supporters around the world have taken to social media to express their opposition to the closing of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli occupation forces.

Following a deadly shootout last Friday, Israeli forces closed the compound and cancelled Friday prayers in the mosque for the first time since 1969. Though the mosque has since been reopened, Palestinian visitors are now required to go through newly installed metal detectors before being allowed to enter, a move met with strong opposition from the mosque authority and Palestinian groups.

Many activists expressed their outrage at the new restrictions on Twitter.

Oscar Bergamin highlighted how Israel was attempting to place restrictions on what is internationally recognised as occupied territory.

#HandsOffAlAqsa because East Jerusalem is internationally recognised as being part of Palestine. #MasjidAlAqsa #FreePalestine

— Oscar A.M. Bergamin (@OscarBergamin) July 16, 2017

Anyone arguing that israel doesnt occupy Palestine… the #AlAqsa shutdown is clear evidence of such an occupation #HandsOffAlAqsa

— Zaakir Ahmed Mayet (@ZA_Mayet) July 15, 2017

Others argued that the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque was just the latest move in a history of oppression towards Palestinians.

Palestinians were uprooted, thrown in camps, forbidden 2 be called "Palestinian" & the oppression continued 2 even prevent 'em from praying!

— شمّاء (@ShammaAltoobi) July 16, 2017

This is how the "most moral army in the world" treats defenseless women on their way to pray.. #Terrorism by #IOF #HandsOffAlAqsa pic.twitter.com/O9KxdGUXZ2

— 𓂆 eman qasim (@EmanQasim) July 18, 2017

Eman Qasim shared a cartoon, showing an Israeli guard standing over a slain Palestinian child who was throwing stones, but citing the numerous crimes Israel has committed against the Palestinian people.

Palestinians are left alone to defend #AlAqsa.. They face the most brutal occupier ALL ALONE!! #HandsOffAlAqsa pic.twitter.com/dj63JNYBuR

— 𓂆 eman qasim (@EmanQasim) July 17, 2017

Users praised the Palestinian resistance, as shown in the cartoon shared by Eman Qasim in reply to a tweet by the street artist Banksy, comparing the determination of the Palestinians to the roots of a tree.

.@thereaIbanksy When the roots are deep there is no reason to fear the wind. #HandsOffAlAqsa pic.twitter.com/GgwVk5W6sK

— 𓂆 eman qasim (@EmanQasim) July 15, 2017

"There maybe times when we're powerless 2 prevent injustice, but there must never b a time when we fail 2 express" #Aqsa_Mosque#اغضب_للأقصى

— شمّاء (@ShammaAltoobi) July 16, 2017

No body can survive without a heart.#HandsOffAlAqsa pic.twitter.com/RFhqcY7vKW

— Amaid Abbasi (@Amaid_Abbasi) July 16, 2017

Activists also shared photos from protests around the Arab world, to show that Palestine had not been forgotten.

Poster held aloft by Jordanian girl: I am a Jordanian, and Aqsa is my responsibility #Aqsa #Palestine #Jordan #jerusalem #alAqsa pic.twitter.com/mGDmBI4NWS

— Masjid al Aqsa (@firstqiblah) July 15, 2017

Jordanian university students rallying for al Aqsa #Jordan #Aqsa #Palestine #alaqsa #masjidalAqsa pic.twitter.com/IdqP90lYbl

— Masjid al Aqsa (@firstqiblah) July 17, 2017

Solitiz shared a photo from a rally in Rabat, Morocco, in solidarity with Palestinians.

Rally in Rabat in support of al-Aqsa Via PIC @PalinfoEn https://t.co/tqOusaksNJ #Palestine pic.twitter.com/6henV7Oujl

— al whit🍉 (@soitiz) July 18, 2017