JERUSALEM, April 5, 2017 (WAFA) – Israeli police Wednesday banned Aqsa Mosque guard Hamza Nimr from entering the Muslim holy compound in Jerusalem for six months, according to officials at the Muslim Waqf (endowment) department in charge of the mosque.

The decision came as police had earlier banned another Waqf employee, Tariq Hashlamon, from entering Al Aqsa Mosque compound also for six months.

The Waqf has condemned the ban against two of its employees that prevent them from reaching their work place.

Jordan is in charge of Al Aqsa Mosque compound and Jerusalem Waqf and its staff are considered Jordanian government employees.

The ban comes as guards prevented fanatic Jews from violating conditions for visits by non-Muslims to the holy site.

Fanatic Jews, who have escalated their provocative visits to the Muslim site as they prepare to celebrate the Jewish Passover holiday, which starts on Monday, attempt to perform religious rituals in spite of the presence of Israeli police with them, prompting Al Aqsa guards to intervene to stop them. Police end up arresting the guards.

M.K.