Jerusalem: Israeli occupation authorities have continued the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem to Muslim worshippers for the 17th consecutive day, citing security pretexts.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, this is the first time since 1967 that Israeli authorities have prevented worshippers from performing prayers and religious rituals at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Notably, worshippers were absent from the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan due to this closure.
The Jerusalem Governorate has issued warnings about the dangerous escalation in incitement led by extremist organizations, referred to as "Temple Mount" groups, against the Al-Aqsa Mosque. These warnings come amidst the ongoing closure measures imposed by the Israeli authorities.
The Governorate emphasized that the current situation should not be viewed as temporary security measures, as claimed by Israeli authorities. Instead, they assert it is part of a broader political and ideological approach aimed at altering the existing religious, historical, and legal status quo at the mosque compound.
