Israeli troops assault worshipers, restrict access to Al-Aqsa Mosque

JERUSALEM: Israeli occupation forces violently assaulted worshipers today at the Asbat Gate, one of the main entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem. Witnesses reported that forces assaulted worshipers, arrested two of them, and prevented many of them from entering the mosque for prayers. Witnesses reported stated that the occupation forces targeted the worshipers at the Asbat Gate, brutally beating and arresting two individuals, prohibiting them many others from entering Al-Aqsa. WAFA correspondent reported that the Israeli forces imposed strict restrictions at the entrances of Al-Aqsa Mosque and in the Old City. They assaulted and harassed those arriving, conducting searches. A group of young men resorted to performing the Friday prayer in the adjacent Ras al-Amoud neighborhood due to being barred from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque ahead of the Friday prayer. Since the early morning hours, Israeli forces have boosted their presence at the entrances of the Old City of Jerusalem, includin g Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings, setting up iron barriers. Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA