JAKARTA - The Israeli authorities continue to close the Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex in occupied Jerusalem for Muslim worshippers for 24 consecutive days, citing security reasons.
This arbitrary action is widely considered unprecedented, as the mosque has never been fully closed during the holy month of Ramadan since 1967, or the total suspension of religious activities on this scale, quoted from WAFA (23/3).
During Ramadan last year, the occupation forces prevented worshippers from performing Tarawih prayers in several neighborhoods of occupied Jerusalem, by placing troops around the Damascus Gate and the Herod's Gate, forcing worshippers to leave in an attempt to disperse them and prevent people from gathering for prayers.
The closure comes amid the deployment of massive forces around Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City, where occupation forces impose strict restrictions on movement, close several gates, and prevent people from gathering.
These measures also impacted Waqf (Islamic waqf institution) staff with a reduction in the number of people allowed to enter, which impacted the daily administration of the site.
The closure is part of a wider escalation of restrictions, coinciding with a total lockdown of the West Bank and increased regional tensions.
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