Jerusalem: Israeli occupation forces imposed strict measures on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and assaulted several worshippers attempting to attend dawn prayers, amidst a raid on the mosque by a member of the Knesset and an extremist rabbi, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the governorate reported that Israeli troops enforced strict measures on worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque to clear it for incursions by colonists during what they refer to as the "comparative celebration" commemorating the Jewish occupation of Jerusalem.
The report added that Israeli forces prevented men under 60 and women under 50 from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque since dawn. Several men and women were reportedly pushed and beaten at the mosque gates.
Additionally, the occupation police forced worshippers, employees of the Islamic Waqf Department, and students of the Islamic school to remain inside the covered prayer areas and buildings, restricting their presence in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque to completely clear the area for colonists.
According to the data, the number of Muslims inside Al-Aqsa, including Waqf employees and students of the Sharia school, some of whom were taking final exams, did not exceed 150 people. In contrast, more than 200 colonists entered the compound during the first hour of incursions.