Dozens of Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque on the last day of New Year’s Eve, protected by the occupation forces, and the latter assault Palestinian worshipers.
Local sources reported that Israeli occupation forces attacked Palestinian worshipers in Bab al-Silsilah, one of the main entrances to Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.
On Sunday, the Israeli occupation forces imposed strict security measures, removed worshipers from Al-Aqsa Mosque, intensified their presence around it, and prevented any Palestinian under the age of 50 from arriving, to open the way for Israeli settlers on the occasion of the Jewish New Year.
To celebrate New Year’s Eve, hundreds of extreme nationalist Israelis entered Al-Aqsa Square through Bab al-Maghrib under the protection of Israeli forces, according to Al-Mayadeen news channel.
Media coverage: “Israeli occupation police assaulted Palestinian women trying to defend the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, amid provocative visits by extremist Israeli settlers to the holy site, today.” pic.twitter.com/kRkiDW3mFe
– Quds News Network (@QudsNen) September 17, 2023
The Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem confirmed that the army was working to cleanse the complex before the settlers stormed.
Israeli settler groups were demanding unrestricted access to the compound to celebrate Rosh Hashanah on what is known to Jews as the Temple Mount.
A number of Muslim worshipers had gathered in the Noble Mosque after dawn prayers to protest the harassment and incursions of Israeli settlers.
Press coverage: “M.Fahmon dances and sings on the way to Bab al-Sattara after leaving Al-Aqsa Mosque, in an attempt to provoke those they know were prevented from entering the mosque.” pic.twitter.com/ex0hslDMDA
– Palestinian Information Center (@PalinfoAr) September 17, 2023
translation: Press coverage: Settlers dance and sing on Bab al-Silsilah Road after leaving Al-Aqsa Mosque in an attempt to provoke the Palestinians who were prevented from entering the mosque.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa said that Israeli forces “physically assaulted and beat three worshipers,” including an elderly man and an elderly woman, near Bab al-Silsilah, adding that the three objected to an Israeli settler blowing a trumpet at the entrance to Al-Aqsa Mosque. – Al-Aqsa Mosque .
Al-Mayadeen added that two people were arrested inside the complex and transferred to an “unknown destination.”
Video clips were spread on social media showing settlers touring the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
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