TEL AVIV – Israeli authorities have banned the Palestinians from entering the complex of Mosque Al-Aqsa, in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem.
The measure will extend for a week, under the pretext of the proximity of Jewish festivities. Al-Aqsa, with over 1300 years old, is part of the religious complex of the open area of Mosques of Jerusalem.
The Muslim tradition establishes that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to heaven from that esplanade in the year 621. This makes Al-Aqsa, after Makkah and Madinah, the third holiest place for Muslims.
It is expected that Israeli settlers will massively invade the complex of the mosque in the next days due to the Jewish festivity of Sucot, also known as the Feast of the Tabernacles, to say Jewish religious prayers, as well as visit the Wailing Wall.
The standing rules establish that Non-Muslims can enter the site during the regular visiting hours, but are not allowed any religious ritual.
