Palestinians perform prayer at Al-Aqsa’s Al-Rahma Gate

Palestinians perform prayer in front of Al-Rahma Gate (Gate of Mercy) of Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, as Israeli security forces stand guard behind them after Al-Rahma Gate was chained by Israeli police in Jerusalem on 20 February 2019 [Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Anadolu Agency]

For the first time since 2003, when it was closed by an Israeli military order, Palestinian worshippers prayed at the mosque at Al-Rahma Gate, one of the doorways to Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Al-Aqsa kicking out Israeli soldiers [Twitter]

In a brief press release, the Islamic Endowment Department in Jerusalem announced it had opened Al-Rahma Gate.

Since Monday, Palestinians have been gathering near to the gate and performing prayers in front of it. Several skirmishes were reported between them and the Israeli occupation police after additional locks were added by occupation forces.

READ: Palestinians continue to defy Israel and protect Al-Aqsa

Occupation forces arresting more than 60 Palestinian activists from the Old City of Jerusalem ahead of the planned protests.

In 2003, Israeli occupation authorities closed the gate, claiming there is an illegal institution there and renewed the order annually.

Earlier this month an iron door was placed at the gate, Palestinians protested against Israel’s unilateral move in the Muslim holy site, broke it and entered the mosque.

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