Israeli police imposed strict measures on worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday, with the aim of clearing the site ahead of settler incursions during the so-called “compensatory celebration,” according to a statement issued by the Jerusalem Governorate.
Israeli Knesset member Ariel Kellner entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound accompanied by settlers.
Since the early morning hours, Israeli forces barred men under the age of 60 and women under the age of 50 from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque. They also reportedly assaulted several men and women by pushing and beating them at the mosque’s gates.
Israeli police forced worshippers, employees of the Islamic Waqf Department, and students of the Sharia school to remain inside the covered prayer halls and buildings, preventing their presence in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa in order to completely clear the area for the incoming settlers.
The number of worshippers inside Al-Aqsa Mosque, including Waqf employees and Sharia school students—some of whom are sitting final examinations—did not exceed approximately 150 people, while the number of settlers entering the site during the first hour alone reportedly exceeded 200.
In Jerusalem’s Old City, Israeli forces also compelled shop owners to close their businesses for the entire day as part of security measures related to the Al-Aqsa incursions and the planned Flag March scheduled for the evening.
