‘Israel’ disperses worshippers, removes Al-Aqsa guard amid mosque closure
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- ‘Israeli’ forces disperse worshippers outside Al-Aqsa Mosque on the seventeenth day of its closure.
- One of the mosque’s guards is removed under an administrative order.
‘Israeli’ forces dispersed dozens of Palestinian worshippers performing Isha and Taraweeh prayers near Al-Aqsa Mosque on Monday, the seventeenth consecutive day of restrictions preventing access to the holy site. One of the mosque’s guards, Ahmed Al-Awar from Silwan, was also ordered removed for one week, with the ban subject to extension.
Arrests and harassment
The Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate said in a statement that ‘Israeli’ forces attacked worshippers near Bab Al-Sahera, firing stun grenades and arresting several attendees.
Read more: Iraq extends airspace closure for 72 hours amid security concerns
Authorities have maintained the closure of Al-Aqsa, citing security concerns linked to the ongoing US-‘Israel’ war against Iran. This marks the first time since 1967 that worshippers were barred from Friday prayers and Laylat al-Qadr observances at the mosque.
Political and ideological concerns
The governorate warned that extremist groups affiliated with so-called “Temple organizations” are using the closure to incite against Al-Aqsa.
Read more: Trump pressures NATO, China over Iran's closure of key waterway
Officials said the measures cannot be considered temporary security steps, asserting that they are part of a broader political and ideological agenda aimed at altering the mosque’s religious, historical, and legal status.
