Israel Shuts Down Al-Aqsa Mosque for Second Friday
DaysofPal — For the second week in a row, Israeli occupation forces closed all gates to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Friday, barring Palestinian worshippers from entering for Friday prayers, according to a statement from the Jerusalem Governorate.
Israeli occupation authorities shut all entrances to the mosque compound, including Bab Hutta and Bab al-Silsila, after allowing only a limited number of worshipers through under the pretext that the allowed capacity had been reached.
The Jerusalem Governorate reported that Israeli forces also stopped worshipers at Bab al-Sahira and obstructed access to the Old City and the mosque ahead of Friday prayers.
Despite the restrictions, Palestinian activists and religious leaders issued urgent calls to residents of Jerusalem and Palestinians in 1948-occupied territories to mobilize and flock to the mosque, especially after the compound was reopened on Wednesday following a six-day closure.
The calls emphasized the importance of mass attendance and participation in prayer at the mosque, rejecting Israel's restrictive 'quota' policy, which reportedly limits attendance to 400–500 individuals. Activists described the current moment as critical, urging people to resist ongoing Israeli attempts to isolate Al-Aqsa from its surrounding community.
'Being present at Al-Aqsa right now is a form of popular resistance,' said one Jerusalemite activist. 'It's a clear message that this holy site is a red line that must not be crossed, regardless of political or military circumstances.'
Last Friday, Israeli authorities completely sealed off Al-Aqsa under the pretext of a 'state of emergency' following the start of Israel's military operation against Iran. Although the mosque was reopened on Wednesday with limited access for some worshipers, dozens of Israeli settlers stormed the compound through the Moroccan Gate the following day under heavy police protection.
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