JERUSALEM, July 23, 2017 (WAFA) – Israeli authorities Monday installed smart cameras, metal detectors, and x-ray security scanners outside Bab al-Asbat outside al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, said WAFA correspondent.

Israeli police along with municipal personnel worked after midnight on installing surveillance cameras, infra-red metal detectors and x-ray security scanners outside the gate, after imposing a tight military cordon around the area.

Israeli police closed the mosque last Friday for Muslims following an attack outside its gates that left three alleged attackers and two policemen dead.

The mosque was reopened on Sunday after metal detectors were installed; a move the Palestinians said they will not accept because it changes the status quo at the mosque.

Since then, Palestinian Muslims have been holding the daily prayers outside the gates to the mosque, insisting that they will not enter it for worship until the metal detectors are removed.

Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Muhammad Hussein, affirmed his rejection to current Israeli measures and violations in Jerusalem, stressing the importance of restoring Jerusalem’s status quo ante.

T.R/M.H