Thousands Gather for Friday Prayers at Aqsa Mosque Amid ‘israeli’ Restrictions
Thousands of Palestinians gathered for Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, notwithstanding the stringent restrictions and obstacles enforced by Israeli authorities.
Amid stringent restrictions and obstacles enforced by Israeli occupation forces, thousands of Palestinians gathered to perform Friday prayers at the Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli police forces were positioned among worshipers during the sermon, creating a scene that was evidently provocative.
Israeli authorities conducted ID checks on young males at Damascus Gate (Bab al-Amud) as they proceeded towards the Mosque and refused entry to one individual at the Lions’ Gate (Bab al-Asbat).
In a separate event, Israeli authorities halted an elderly Palestinian male in Jerusalem’s Old City, conducting a search of his possessions just ahead of Friday prayers.
Urgent Appeals for the Mobilization and Safeguarding of Al-Aqsa Mosque
Activists based in Jerusalem have called for large-scale mobilization, increased presence, and resistance against Israeli plans and settler incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli settlers recently attempted to carry out an animal sacrifice within the premises of the Aqsa Mosque compound but were intercepted by Aqsa guards. The settlers reportedly managed to smuggle a lamb through the Bab al-Ghawanmeh gate before their actions were halted.
Three settlers reportedly succeeded in smuggling a sheep concealed in a fabric bag through a gate, with the intention of conducting a sacrificial ritual in accordance with Talmudic traditions.
Mosque security swiftly identified and thwarted the attempt, safeguarding the sacred site from any acts of desecration.
There has been a surge in calls for the Muslim community to bolster their presence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in response to escalating threats. This comes amid increasing restrictions imposed on Palestinian worshippers by the occupation forces, who simultaneously appear to facilitate incursions by settlers.
Hamas Issues Mobilization Appeal
The Hamas Movement has issued a statement cautioning that the settlers’ endeavor to perform a sacrificial act within the Aqsa Mosque constitutes a significant escalation. The group has called for extensive mobilization to safeguard the revered site from continuous settler assaults.
The incursion by settlers attempting to perform a sacrificial act through Bab al-Ghawanmeh is seen as a clear violation of Islamic holy sites. This action underscores the need for a broad mobilization and increased presence to counter the ongoing aggression and perceived arrogance directed at the Aqsa Mosque.
Hamas has voiced strong opposition to the occupation’s approach of allowing settler incursions and unprecedented Talmudic rituals within the Mosque. The organization underscored the significance of sustained murabatah, urging all those able to intensify their visits and safeguard the Aqsa Mosque in the face of escalating threats.
The statement concluded by calling on individuals to steadfastly oppose the settlers’ initiatives and commended the Mosque guards for their actions in thwarting the sacrificial ritual, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the holy site against desecration.
