OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Dozens of Palestinian youths performed the Isha and Tarawih prayers at the closest point possible to the Aqsa Mosque as Israeli forces continue to block worshipers and those observing religious retreat from entering the holy site.
Jerusalem-based sources reported that dozens of Palestinians prayed near Bab al-Sahira in Occupied Jerusalem after being prevented from reaching Aqsa and performing their prayers in the Mosque.
Israeli forces have kept the holy Islamic site closed for the twelfth consecutive day, citing what they describe as security conditions related to the ongoing war with Iran.
Israeli authorities have relied on what they call a “state of emergency” linked to the continuing Israeli-American offensive against Iran since February 28. The decision has effectively deprived Jerusalem residents and Palestinians of the ability to perform their religious rituals at Aqsa during these sacred days of Ramadan, as a dangerous and unprecedented step.
This measure is the first of its kind since Israel occupied Jerusalem in 1967, marking the first time worshipers have been prevented from performing Tarawih prayers and observing spiritual retreat during the final ten nights of Ramadan inside Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli authorities had already tightened security measures since the beginning of Ramadan, even before the outbreak of the war with Iran, imposing strict restrictions on Palestinians from the West Bank and preventing large numbers from reaching Occupied Jerusalem to pray at the Aqsa Mosque.
