Similar to every Friday, the Israeli army and police imposed a strict siege on the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa mosque, in occupied Jerusalem, ahead of noon prayers, and placed various restrictions.The police decided to deny all men, 50 years of age and older, from entering the mosque, while all Palestinians from the West Bank, (those who have work or entry permits to Jerusalem), will not be allowed to enter.
In a press release, the Israeli police said that it deployed hundreds of officers in the streets and alleys of the Old City, all neighborhoods, and in many streets in the area, allegedly to “prevent clashes between Palestinians and the police.”
The police claims it received reports regarding “intentions of Palestinian youths to clash with the army following noon prayers.”
The al-Aqsa mosque vicinity has been a target for frequent assaults by Israeli fanatics, and ongoing attacks by the police and the army, who are heavily deployed in the area.
Dozens of Palestinians have also been kidnapped in the mosque area, especially during attacks carried out by Israeli far-right groups.
Many Palestinians, including religious leaders, have been denied access to the mosque area for several weeks, and even months, each time under the pretext of “incitement”.
