Palestinians Celebrate Removal of Al-Aqsa Restrictions

Jakarta, MINA – Palestinian worshippers in the city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) on Thursday (27/7) morning celebrated the start of the lifting metal detectors in the enter of Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.

After several days of tension and clashes in the city of Al-Quds and the West Bank, Israeli authorities have begun lifting the restrictions imposed recently in the Muslim holy site.

The Palestinian news agency Ma’an quoted witnesses as saying that the Tel Aviv regime had lifted barriers, scaffolds, technologically advanced cameras and newly installed metal scanners, at least at one gate to enter the Aqsa compound area.

The first step of the removal was celebrated by Palestinians early on Thursday. However, it is unclear which gate is restricted. The move follows a decision by Israel’s security cabinet on Monday (24/7) to remove metal detectors but the barrier has not been removed.

“For 12 days no one slept, nobody did anything but protest the Israeli move against Al-Aqsa Mosque,” said a Palestinian who celebrated the removal of the security equipment, Press TV reported.

While other residents remain cautious. The Al-Aqsa Board of Waqf, a body that manages the mosque complex, is hesitant and Director Omar Kiswani announces that there will be no hurry to enter Al-Aqsa.

“We will wait for the technical committee, which we set, to complete its investigation in Al-Aqsa. We will not hasten our decision to enter the mosque “Kiswani told reporters at the Gate of Isbat as reported by Anadolu Agency.

The Islamic High Council of Al-Quds earlier announced that it would not enter Al-Aqsa before the technical committee issued its report.

An amateur video monitored by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) shows the situation of Al-Quds residents demonstrating through the night, shouting excitement as Israeli trucks carrying security devices pass before them.(L/RE1/RS5)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)