Extremist settlers wearing priestly garments storm al-Aqsa mosque
Ahlul Bayt News Agency – Dozens of Israeli settlers wearing priestly garments stormed Wednesday morning al-Aqsa Mosque to celebrate what they call the day of Atonement, QPress said.
QPress center pointed out that Israeli authorities opened al-Magaribeh Gate for settlers’ access on the Day of Atonement that coincides with Muslims’ Day of Arafah which is considered the most sacred day of Hajj during which pilgrims head to Mount Arafah in Makkah and stay there until sunset.
The Palestinian Awqaf (Endowment) Authority has earlier demanded that no settlers be allowed into al-Aqsa on the Day of Arafah; however, Israeli forces denied Muslim worshipers’ the right to enter into their holy shrine while allowing the settlers in.
Earlier Tuesday, Israeli forces imposed tight restrictions in occupied Jerusalem and its Old City on the eve of the Day of Atonement where they deployed in large numbers across the city and at the entrances to al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Israeli restrictions severely restricted Palestinian access to the Mosque compound.
Israel deployed thousands of its police forces throughout the city and shut it off from the West Bank, with checkpoints closed for Jewish holidays.
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