JERUSALEM, July 27, 2017 (WAFA) – The top religious leaders in Jerusalem Thursday called on Muslims to resume prayer inside Al-Aqsa Mosque after Israel has removed all barriers installed over the past two weeks that were the reason Palestinians have refused to enter the Muslim holy compound.

The religious leaders said after a meeting in Jerusalem that they have decided to call on people to resume prayer inside the mosque compound after a Waqf technical committee has concluded that all barriers Israel had installed outside the gates to Al-Aqsa compound were removed.

Israel removed early Thursday the final barriers, few days after removing metal detectors placed outside Lions Gate that leads to Al-Aqsa compound.

Palestinians have insisted on removing all barriers outside the gate to the mosque in place since July 14 before they would return life at the mosque to normal.

Thousands of worshippers have been holding the five daily prayers on the streets and alleys leading to the mosque in protest against the new Israeli measures.

The Muslim leadership announced that the afternoon prayers on Thursday will therefore be held inside the mosque.

They also called for closing all mosques in Jerusalem on Friday so that people can hold the Friday noon prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Tens of thousands of people are expected in Jerusalem for the Friday prayer.

M.K.