OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)
The national and Islamic forces in Jerusalem have refused the narrative of the Israeli occupation authority regarding the lifting of restrictions on entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque. They have affirmed that all rumors about allowing worshippers to enter occupied Jerusalem and pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque are aimed at alleviating international pressure on the Netanyahu government.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the national and Islamic forces added that the Israeli actions on the ground contradict all the lies being spread. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank are prohibited from praying at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The statement emphasized that the occupation forces are placing iron barriers in the alleys and neighborhoods of Jerusalem’s Old City, and the Israeli police are arresting or preventing young people from entering and praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque. So, where is the freedom of worship claimed by the Israeli authorities?
The national and Islamic forces further explained that tens of thousands of Palestinians have never seen Jerusalem or Al-Aqsa Mosque in their lives due to the oppressive and racist measures imposed by Israel, which separates Jerusalem from its surroundings with dozens of gates and barriers surrounding the holy city. They also noted that all residents of the Gaza Strip have been deprived of entering Jerusalem for over 30 years.
The statement highlighted that hundreds of sheikhs, preachers, and national figures are prohibited from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque and are expelled from the city of Jerusalem. Additionally, dozens of activists, including some employees of the Jordanian Waqf, which has custodianship over Al-Aqsa Mosque, are prevented from performing their duties.
The statement also reminded of the presence of dozens of cameras and surveillance towers planted by the Israeli occupation authorities in Al-Aqsa Mosque and on its walls to monitor and restrict worshippers. This denies the freedom of worship in Jerusalem and confirms that everything claimed by the occupation government is pure lies and deception of public opinion.
The national and Islamic forces called on all sectors of the Palestinian people in all Palestinian cities to make their way to the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and not pay attention to what the occupation forces and their misleading media publish.
They urged the people of the occupied territories, especially those in 1948 occupied Palestine, to remain steadfast at Al-Aqsa Mosque and revive the markets of occupied Jerusalem. They encouraged Muslims to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque during the five prayer times and throughout the week, not limiting it to Fridays.
The national and Islamic forces warned that the restrictions imposed by Israel on access to Jerusalem aim to empty Al-Aqsa Mosque of worshippers and leave it vulnerable to the attacks of Jewish fanatics, especially during their holidays in the second week of the blessed month of Ramadan.
