Jerusalem: Israeli occupation authorities continue to close al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem, preventing worshippers from accessing the site for the 16th consecutive day, citing security concerns related to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. For the first time since 1967, worshippers were barred from performing prayers at al-Aqsa during the last days of the holy month of Ramadan.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Jerusalem Governorate had warned of a dangerous escalation in incitement rhetoric led by extremist 'Temple organizations' against Al-Aqsa amid the continued lockdown measures. It stressed that what is taking place cannot be considered temporary security measures as claimed by the Israeli authorities, but rather falls within a political and ideological path aimed at changing the existing religious, historical, and legal status of the mosque.