OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Israeli forces expelled worshippers Sunday evening from a mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City and prevented them from performing the Isha and Tarawih prayers, as the government extended a nationwide state of emergency for an additional 12 days.
According to local sources, Israeli police forces stormed Sheikh Lulu Mosque shortly before the call to evening prayer, ordered worshippers to leave, and barred all congregational prayers, including special Ramadan Tarawih prayers.
The move comes amid what Palestinians describe as an ongoing policy of restrictions targeting places of worship in occupied Jerusalem.
The incident coincided with the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for a second consecutive day under emergency regulations. Since Saturday evening, Israeli authorities have fully sealed the compound, forcing worshippers to leave immediately following the announcement of emergency measures after Israel’s military strike on Iran.
Security forces have also imposed tight restrictions throughout the Old City and at its entrances, further limiting movement and access to religious sites.
Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that the government approved an extension of the nationwide state of emergency on the home front through March 12, following what Channel 13 described as a comprehensive security assessment.
The emergency order allows the military to maintain expanded powers, including closing specific areas and directing residents in high-risk zones to remain near shelters amid concerns over potential Iranian rocket fire.
The extension follows the joint Israeli-US strike on Iran carried out Saturday, which took place during ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington and has heightened tensions across the region.
