JERUSALEM, August 24, 2011 (WAFA) - Under the slogan “Knocking on Jerusalem’s Doors,” Palestinian, Israeli and international activists are planning to march to Jerusalem on Friday from four Israeli army-manned checkpoints separating the city from its West Bank environs, according to a press release.
It said that the Olive Revolution, a popular non-violent movement defying the Israeli occupation, called for the march to protest Israeli closure of Jerusalem to Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip, particularly those wishing to reach it to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City during the holy month of Ramadan.
The march will also emphasize Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state.
The protesters will gather at Qalandia checkpoint, north of Jerusalem, Bethlehem’s Rachel Tomb checkpoint, south of Jerusalem, Shufat refugee camp checkpoint, east of Jerusalem and the Ramot checkpoint to the west of Jerusalem.
Friday marks the last Friday of Ramadan when hundreds of thousands of Muslim are expected to head from all over the West Bank to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
It also marks Lailat Al-Qadr, Islam’s holiest night, which coincides with the eve of the 27th day of Ramadan. Lailat Al-Qadr is when the Prophet Muhammad made his night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and from there travelled to heaven on the back of a horse called Al-Buraq.
Israel relaxed entry of West Bank residents to Jerusalem to perform prayer at Al-Aqsa during the first two Fridays of Ramadan, but denied them entry in the third Friday due to trouble in the Gaza Strip.
It is expected to deploy thousands of soldiers and policemen at the checkpoints and in Jerusalem as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will be expected to reach the city for Friday prayers and for Lailat Al-Qadr worship the same night.
M.A.
