JERUSALEM, Tuesday, May 14, 2024 (WAFA) – The Israeli occupation forces today closed the Lions' Gate, also known as Bab al-Asbat, in Jerusalem’s Old City and prevented worshipers from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Dozens of worshipers gathered in front of Lions Gate after the occupation closed it and prevented them from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque, as they were forced to perform prayers outside the mosque.

The occupation forces also tightened their measures around the gates of the Old City, closed Damascus Gate for a period of time.  

The occupation police announced that today it will close a number of streets in Jerusalem to passersby and cars, to facilitate the colonists' storming of the Old City.

The Council of Endowments, Affairs and Islamic Sanctities in Jerusalem condemned the colonists’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Council confirmed in a statement that it is monitoring the size of the mobilization and media incitement practiced by extremist groups against Al-Aqsa Mosque through their calls and threats to target it through massive incursions.

He called on all countries of the Arab and Islamic world to assume their responsibility towards Al-Aqsa Mosque, and to put pressure on the occupation government to stop its violations.

This morning, hundreds of colonists stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate side, under the protection of the Israeli occupation police, and performed Talmudic rituals, carried out provocative tours in its courtyards.

The occupation police further tightened their military measures, obstructing the movement of worshipers and checking their ID cards.

The extremist organizations of the alleged Temple groups had called, a few days ago, for massive incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and the raising of the flag of the occupying state in its courtyards.

Y.S