Banned from Al-Aqsa, Palestinians pray at Lions Gate

Palestinians banned from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound performed Friday prayers at the Lions Gate in rejection today.

The men, women and children said nothing would keep them away from the holy site.

The Israeli authorities issued orders banning scores of Palestinians from entering the site over the past few days.

The worshippers performed prayers while surrounded by the Israeli occupation’s military police.

READ: Everything you want to know about Al-Rahma Gate and the construction of a temple in Al-Aqsa

Sheikh Raed Daana, who was banned by the Israeli authorities from entering the holy compound for six months, called upon Palestinians to head to Al-Aqsa to protect it from the occupation’s violations.

Following prayers, scores of Palestinians headed to Al-Rahma Gate (Gate of Mercy).

Israeli police yesterday banned a Palestinian fireman from the Islamic Endowment Department from entering the Al-Rahma Gate area inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Al-Rahma Gate lies to the east of Al-Aqsa Mosque, occupation forces sealed the building in 2003 as it was the headquarters of the Islamic Heritage Committee; Israel had said at the time that the building was being used for political activities. In 2017, an Israeli court ordered that the building be closed until further notice.

Last week Palestinians held prayers in the area for the first time in 15 years.

READ: The Palestinians have won this round in the fight for Al-Rahma Gate