Jerusalem: Israeli occupation forces continued the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque for the thirteenth consecutive day, preventing prayers from being performed there, citing the security situation related to war in Iran.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Jerusalem Governorate stated that the occupation prevented worshipers from being present in the mosque under the pretext of declaring a state of emergency. This decision comes amid a heavy deployment of forces in the vicinity of the mosque and at the gates of the Old City of Jerusalem, effectively barring citizens from entering its courtyards.
The Jerusalem Governorate has expressed concerns about the dangerous escalation in incitement rhetoric led by extremist Temple organizations against Al-Aqsa Mosque. The ongoing closure measures have heightened tensions in the region.
For the first time since the occupation of Al-Aqsa in 1967, Taraweeh prayers and Itikaf during the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan have been prevented. This is taking place amidst a significant presence of occupation forces around Al-Aqsa and the gates of the Old City, which is also impacting the local economy with the continued closure of shops in the markets of the Old City.