IOF KIDNAPS SHEIKH BAKIRAT FROM AQSA MOSQUE

Al-Quds (Jerusalem), 5 Rabi’ul Awwal 1435/7 January 2014 (MINA) – The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage said that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) kidnapped on Monday morning Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Bakirat, a senior teacher at the Aqsa Mosque, during his presence at Al-Asbat Gate.

Imarat Al-Aqsa foundation, in turn, slammed the detention of Bakirat as part of the arrest campaign which the Israeli occupation regime wages against Palestinian students and teachers of the religious sessions held at the Aqsa Mosque.

It said police arrested Abdul Rahman Bkeirat and took him to the police station in Jaffa Gate for questioning. It did not give a reason for the arrest,Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Meanwhile, 19 Jewish settlers desecrated today morning under police protection the main courtyard of the Aqsa Mosque, provoked worshippers when they attempted to hold rituals on the site, according to a local group.

Four women of the settlers tried to perform Talmudic prayers in the courtyard and lie on the ground as part of the rituals, but the Palestinian guards of the Mosque prevented them immediately and the Israeli police escorts hastened to evacuate the settlers in order to avoid any violent reactions.

Jewish Fanatics Provoke Worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Meanwhile, WAFA, Palestinian News & Info Agency reported from Jerusalem that several Jewish fanatics who Monday entered the Muslim holy place, al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem, provoked worshippers when they attempted to hold rituals on the site, according to a local group.

Al-Aqsa Foundation said in a statement that after touring the yards of the walled compound, some of the fanatics laid on the ground to perform rituals but that Muslim guards and worshippers stopped them.

Israeli police, who normally accompany the fanatics to make sure they respect the visitation rules, removed the Israelis from the compound to prevent escalation on the ground.

Meanwhile, al-Aqsa Foundation said police arrested Monday a local Muslim leader at one of the gates leading to al-Aqsa compound.

It said police arrested Abdul Rahman Bkeirat and took him to the police station in Jaffa Gate for questioning. It did not give a reason for the arrest. (T/P02/E1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)