Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

20 Jul, 2017

Jerusalem’s religious figures call for not using Israel’s e-gates at Al-Aqsa mosque

JERUSALEM, 17 July 2017, (WAFA) — Jerusalem’s top Islamic religious figures Monday called upon Palestinians seeking to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque not to go through the metal detectors installed by Israeli police the day before at the entrances to the mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City.

The officials, who included the Mufti of Jerusalem, the head of the Waqf department and others, said Israel, by installing these metal detectors, aims to change the long-standing status quo on Muslim holy places in occupied Jerusalem.

They officials called on the public who seek to reach the mosque for prayer not to go through the metal detectors, but instead to pray outside the compound.

“In the event of the continued imposition of the electronic gates to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque, we call on our people to pray and worship in front of the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and in the streets of Jerusalem,” the figures said in a statement.

Israeli forces reopened the holy compound on Sunday for Muslim prayers after it was closed on Friday morning following a shooting attack that left three Palestinians and two Israeli policemen dead.