JERSALEM, February 9, 2007 (WAFA) - Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed Friday al-Aqsa Mosque, fired gunshots and stun grenades, wounding over fifty worshippers, WAFA reporter said.

WAFA reporter affirmed that most of the wounded received medical treatment at the Mosque's clinics.

He added that worshippers were besieged by Israeli soldiers inside the Mosque, affirming that the soldiers prevent ambulances from entering the Mosque to evacuate the wounded.

The attack began as Friday prayers were ending in the Mosque. Clashes spread to the neighbouring alleys of the Old City of Jerusalem, and to the Kalandia checkpoint north of Jerusalem.

Israel has started to demplosh parts of the Al-Aqsa Mosque's old gates a few days ago, which infuriated Palestinians who affirm that the location is an Islamic Waqf (endowment).

Israel had restricted access to the Friday prayers in the Mosque to Muslims over the age of 45, who held Israeli identity cards.

President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Friday "the aggressive steps of Israel" in al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, considering today as a Day of Anger to Protect the al-Aqsa Mosque.

A.D (22:00 P) (20:00 GMT)