5 arrested as Palestinians hold Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa

7 years ago

Palestinians perform Friday prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque on 4 August 2017 [Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]

Palestinians return to Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers on 4 August 2017 [Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]

For the first Friday in 3 weeks, Palestinians return to Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers on 4 August 2017 [Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]

A Palestinian worshipper prays at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the first Friday since Israeli restrictions were lifted on 4 August 2017[Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]

Israeli forces detained five Palestinians after thousands performed Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in the aftermath of a two-week long civil disobedience campaign against Israeli policies at the holy site, while Israeli forces raided the neighbourhood of Silwan and demanded residents show Israeli building permits for their homes.

An employee of the Islamic Endowment Ministry, in charge of running the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Rami Al-Khatib said that 25,000 Palestinians had performed prayers at Al-Aqsa today.
Sheikh Muhammad Selim, who gave the sermon, stressed the need to head to Al-Aqsa and support it.

Following the prayers, Palestinian youths started shouting “Allah Akbar” (God is Great) while exiting the compound, according to a witness. Israeli forces then detained five Palestinians on their way out, including Palestinian photographer Abdel Fattah Abu Snineh.

Preacher Sheikh Muhammed Selim Muhammad Ali conducts the Friday sermon, Khutbah, at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on 4 August 2017 [Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]

Muslim worshippers listen to the Friday sermon, Khutbah, at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on 4 August 2017 [Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]

A Palestinian worshipper prays at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on 4 August 2017[Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]

Women can be seen praying in front of the Dome of the Rock Mosque in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on 4 August 2017 [Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]

Palestinians perform Friday prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque on 4 August 2017 [Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]