Slaughterer israel limits access to al-Aqsa Mosque

Israel has imposed severe restrictions to prevent Muslim worshippers from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque, Press TV reports.

During this week’s Friday prayers, thousands of Palestinians including men under the age of 50 were banned from entering or praying in the holy site.

As a result, thousands of people held prayer services on the streets near the mosque while Israeli soldiers encircled them.

Dozens of Palestinians were injured when Israeli troops fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse those protesting the restrictions.

Tel Aviv claims that the restrictions have been put in place to prevent unrest.

However, critics argue that they are imposed after a Knesset (Israel parliament) debate about Israel’s control over the holy site.

“The Israelis are finding more ways to prevent Palestinians from entering al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque,” Palestinian Authority’s Minister of Religious Affairs Mahmoud el-Habbash told Press TV.

“Friday was a miserable day for those who simply want to pray. Israelis set up checkpoints inside and outside the mosque and banned thousands from entering al-Aqsa. This is a humiliating attack on religious freedom and against international law.”

Palestinian activist Ahmad Assaf told Press TV that the ban is just a minor episode in numerous violations the Israelis have committed against the rights of Palestinians.

On February 25, Knesset discussed a plan to annex the site, but the debate did not result in a vote or any practical measures.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has condemned the debate as a “dangerous escalation,” calling it part of Israel’s goal to “Judaize Jerusalem.”

The Palestinian Authority and the resistance movement Hamas have also warned against Israeli plans to impose “sovereignty” on the Al-Aqsa Mosque.