THOUSANDS OF PALESTINIANS PERFORM FRIDAY PRAYERS IN AQSA MOSQUE

Al-Quds, 29 Rabiul Awal 1437/9 January 2016 (MINA) – Thousands of Palestinians were able to perform the Friday, (1/08) prayers at the Aqsa Mosque despite the Israeli security measures and restrictions.

According to different media sources, more than 17,000 Palestinian worshipers listened to the khutba (sermon) and prayed at the Aqsa Mosque on Friday afternoon.

Among them, there were 200 Palestinians from Gaza, who were allowed to travel through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Occupied Jerusalem, The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation police intensified their presence in and around the Old City of Jerusalem and at the gates of the Aqsa Mosque.

Sheikh Yousuf Abu Senaina, who delivered the Friday khutba, called for defending and protecting all Palestinian holy sites, especially the Aqsa Mosque, against Israeli violations and attacks.

He also urged the Palestinian people to continue their struggle against the occupation in order to liberate Jerusalem and all occupied areas.

Al Aqsa is in East-Jerusalem and internationally recognised as part of the Palestinian West Bank.

Israel is illegally occupying this city, and Palestinians faced a daily battle to protect their religious and cultural heritage.

Al Aqsa was the first qibla (direction of prayer) in Islam and it is the holiest Islamic site in Jerusalem, It’s safety is now under threat. (T/Imt/R04)

 Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)