ISRAELI OCCUPATION FORCES BREACH AL-AQSA MOSQUE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1967

Al-Quds/Jerusalem, 13 Muharram 1436/5 November 2014 (MINA)  – For the first time since 1967, Israeli occupation forces actually entered into the southern Mosque in Al-Aqsa Compound, according to the director of the Islamic Awqaf, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib.

Speaking by telephone with Anadolu news agency, Al-Khatib explained that around 300 Israeli occupation forces stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque on Wednesday without taking their shoes off, entering through the Salahuddin minbar while pursuing Palestinian worshipers inside.

The Sheikh pointed out that this is the first time since 1967 that Israeli forces breached the Mosque, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA), as reporting, Wednesday.

Al-Khatib added: “This dangerous act is condemned and the Israeli police should be blamed for the consequences.”

The original Salahuddin minbar was among the world’s most precious artworks, but was destroyed in 1969 by an extremist Israeli. An imitation was built in Jordan and replaced the original.

Usually, Israeli occupation forces stop at the door of Al-Aqsa Mosque when they pursue Palestinian worshipers, who flee the clashes with the armed soldiers by seeking refuge inside the Mosque.

Anadolu reported that after the Israeli occupation forces withdrew from the Mosque, hundreds of Israeli settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Compound, entering through Al-Maghrabeh Gate.

Earlier today, Israeli forces barred several prominent Palestinian and Arab-Israeli members from entering Al-Aqsa, including a Palestinian minister and two Knesset members. (T/P002/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)