Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani manager of al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Friday announced an open sit-in in front of al-Aqsa Mosque’s gates.
In a short speech following the afternoon prayer near al-Asbat Gate al-Kiswani said that the sit-in will be similar to last year’s protests and that prayers will be performed in front of the Mosque’s gates until its opened again.
Dozens of Palestinian worshipers performed the afternoon prayer near al-Asbat Gate in protest at the Israeli police closure of al-Aqsa Mosque.
Earlier in the day Israeli police forces in large numbers broke into al-Aqsa Mosque from al-Maghareba Gate and heavily fired sound bombs live ammunition rubber-coated metal bullets and teargas canisters at Palestinian worshipers.
The worshipers in a spontaneous demonstration protested the attack and chanted slogans supporting al-Aqsa Mosque. At least 7 Palestinians were arrested.
Israeli police violently assaulted al-Aqsa guards and sealed off the Dome of the Rock Mosque and al-Qibli Mosque with iron chains.
More police forces later stormed the Mosque via al-Silsila Gate and intensified their presence in al-Aqsa courtyards.
According to medical sources over 50 worshipers were injured in the Israeli attack. Most of them were treated in the field.
