Gaza : Israel Bars Entry of 150 Elders to Jerusalem for Friday Prayer

Al-Quds, 7 Rabi’ul Awwal 1438/7 December 2016 (MINA) – The Israeli authorities have extended its decision not to give travel permits for 150 elderly citizens from Gaza to visit the Aqsa Mosque on Fridays until further notice

The Israeli decision has excluded 100 employees working for the UNRWA in Gaza, according to a spokesman for the Palestinian General Authority of Civil Affairs (GACA), the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) reported.

The spokesman, Mohamed Maqadmeh, said the Israeli side informed the civil affairs authority in Gaza that it had cancelled the travel of 150 citizens from Gaza to Jerusalem on Fridays.

The Israeli authorities claim it has taken this decision because these passengers are not committed to leaving Jerusalem for Gaza on the same day.

Every Friday, the IOA allows 250 Gazan over age 50 to visit the Old City of Jerusalem to pray at the Aqsa Mosque.
150 of these passengers enter Jerusalem in coordination with the GACA, while the UNRWA coordinates the travel of 100 others working for it in Gaza.(T/P008/R07)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)