Zionist forces clash with Palestinian worshipers at al-Aqsa on Eid al-Adha
Israeli forces have clashed with Palestinians in the al-Aqsa Mosque compoand as tens of thousands of worshippers performed Eid al-Adha prayers at the holy site in occupied East al-Quds.
More than 100,000 Muslim worshippers gathered at al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site for Muslims, on Wednesday to attend prayers to mark Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice.
They came from all over the occupied territories, despite the Israeli police’s roadblocks and searches that prevented many from entering the holy site, according to the Palestinian Wafa news agency.
Violence broke out when Israeli forces stormed the holy compound, forced worshippers out of the Bab al-Rahma prayer area, and arrested at least 18 Palestinian worshippers inside.
Bab al-Rahma, also known as the Gate of Mercy or Golden Gate, is one of the gates leading to the al-Aqsa Mosque. The Israeli authorities intend to turn it into a prayer area for the Jewish settlers and have been keeping Muslims out of the site.
Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim officials have warned that any change in the decades-long status quo at the holy compound could spark violence and religious conflict.
Palestinians believe that the Israeli regime is systematically working to Judaise al-Quds, where al-Aqsa Mosque is located, and erase its Arab and Islamic identity.
In one of the latest plans, a Keenest member proposed earlier this month to divide time and space at the mosque, drawing condemnation from Palestinians and Muslims worldwide.
