ZIONIST SETTLERS STORM AL-AQSA MOSQUE

Al-Quds (Jerusalem), 11 Dzulhijjah/16 October 2013 (MINA) – Dozens of extremist Jewish settlers have stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) under army protection and raised Israel flag inside the mosque, which is the third holiest site in Islam, reports say.

        Local media reported that a group of settlers raised an Israeli flag while touring the mosque’s compound on Monday.
        Reports also said that after the incident, Israeli police closed Magharbe Gate that leads to al-Aqsa Mosque compound for visitors.
        Police forces are also said to have removed the settlers from the area, Press TV quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.
        The latest incident comes after a similar event on September 18, when Israeli forces stormed the mosque compound, firing tear gas at Palestinian worshippers.

Also Read: MAPIM, AWG Enhance Cooperation in the Liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestine

        Clashes reportedly broke out between the Israeli troops and the Palestinians after they attempted to prevent the worshippers, including women and children, from entering the mosque.
        In another similar incident earlier in September, the Israeli military used stun grenades to disperse Palestinian protesters inside the al-Aqsa compound after Friday Prayers, arresting 15 of them.
       The al-Aqsa compound, which lies in the Israeli-occupied Old City of al-Quds, is a flashpoint. The compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is the holiest site in Judaism.

It is Islam’s third-holiest site after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The latest incident comes after a similar event on September 18, when Israeli forces stormed the mosque compound, firing tear gas at Palestinian worshippers. (T/P013/E1)

Also Read: SEVEN PALESTINIANS INJURED IN GAZA BY ISRAELI FIRE

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)