JERUSALEM, Monday, February 18, 2019 (WAFA) – Palestinian activists called on whoever can reach Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City to participate in prayers starting noon today in front of the Golden Gate (Bab al-Rahmeh) building to protest Israel’s recent closure of the gate’s building with a lock and chains.

Witness said that Israeli forces last night broke into the Golden Gate area from inside Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and closed off the building next to the gate with locks in order to prevent the Waqf Department, which is in charge of Muslim property in Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, from using it.

Israel has closed the gate in 2003 and ever since it issues an order renewing the closure decision for one year.

Israeli forces have recently prevented Muslim worshipers and the mosque guards from being in that area while Jewish fanatics are allowed access to it during their visit hours.

Officials have expressed concern that Israel may allow Jews to hold prayers in the Golden Gate area and possibly build a Jewish temple there after separating it from the rest of Al-Aqsa compound.

Jewish fanatic groups have been pressing their government to allow them to hold prayers inside the Muslim holy compound, a step Muslims have warned could lead to religious strife.

K.T./M.K.