Israel Facilitates Entry of Jews into at Al-Aqsa, Shuts Down Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslims

Al-Quds, 03 Muharram 1438/04 October 2016 (MINA) – Israel on Monday facilitated entry of Jewish extremists into Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and closed Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to Muslim worshippers as it celebrated the Jewish New Year and other holidays, WAFA reported, quoting officials.

They said Israeli extremists carried out provocative tours of Al-Aqsa compound under heavy police protection and some preformed prayer in front of the gates to the compound.

Mosque officials said that aside from providing protection to the extremists, Israeli police banned entry into the mosque for two weeks for a number of Palestinians.

Meanwhile in Hebron, Israel decided to shut down the Ibrahimi mosque to Muslim worshippers for six days in October while opening it for Jewish worshippers only during the Jewish holidays.

Minister of Religious Affairs Yousef Ideis said Israel’s decision to shut down the Ibrahimi mosque for Muslims is a stark violation of freedom of worship and a move to empty the mosque of its Muslim worshippers.

Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, grand mufti of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, condemned the closure of the Ibrahimi mosque and said such decisions violate Muslims’ right for freedom of worship.

He said it is essential to put an end to such measures, fully rejecting pretexts by Israel to justify such arbitrary decisions which violate international law and conventions that guarantee right to worship.

According to Ideis, Israeli soldiers and settlers committed 90 violations against Al-Aqsa and Ibrahim mosques last month.

“The violations include festivals, engagement ceremonies, obstructing renovation works, raids and encouraging settlers to pray in Muslim neighborhoods in the old city,” he said.

Ideis said recent calls by Jewish fanatic groups to intensify provocative tours of Al-Aqsa compound is proof of Israel’s intent to take full control of the Muslim holy site. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)