JERUSALEM, Tuesday, March 12, 2019 (WAFA) – Defying Israeli police measures at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City, particularly closing its gates for Muslim worshippers, prayers were held this afternoon outside the closed gates, said witnesses.

Dozens of Palestinians gathered at Bab al-Asbat, one of the main gates to Al-Aqsa compound, the third holiest site in Islam, and held one of the five daily prayers there as Israeli police stood watching while keeping the gates to the Muslim holy compound closed.

Worshippers vowed to continue to hold all prayers outside the gates until the police reopen them and allow free access for worship inside the compound.

Police assaulted all those who were inside the compound after a fire broke out at one its stations and chased them out of it, injuring at least two people from beating who were transferred to hospital. Eight worshippers were also detained, including three women.

The Palestinian presidency, government and officials have strongly condemned the Israeli escalation at the Muslim holy site warning of grave consequences if Israel continues to violate the sanctity of the holy place.

M.K.