Ammon News - Israeli authorities have continued the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem, preventing worshippers from accessing it for the 29th consecutive day, citing security pretexts.

The measures coincide with the ongoing isolation of Jerusalem's Old City through military checkpoints and a heavy deployment of Israeli forces across its neighborhoods, allowing entry only to residents.

On Friday, Israeli authorities imposed strict restrictions that prevented the holding of Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Police were heavily deployed at the entrances to the Old City and the mosque gates, blocking worshippers and forcing hundreds to pray in the nearby streets.

This closure, which has been ongoing since late February, comes amidst unprecedented security measures coinciding with the declaration of a state of emergency.

Restrictions have not been limited to Muslim holy sites. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has also remaind closed to worshippers and visitors, reflecting a comprehensive policy of isolating the holy city.

In Jerusalem’s streets, Israeli forces pursued worshippers who attempted to gather on Salah al-Din Street and in areas adjacent to the Old City walls. They used force to disperse them and prevent congregational prayers outside the mosque.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that only Al-Aqsa guards and staffs from the Islamic Waqf Department allowed inside the mosque courtyards. Prayers were held inside the covered prayer halls with limited numbers, while the outer courtyards remained entirely empty of the large crowds that typically gather for Friday prayers.

Two days ago, the Israeli government extended the state of emergency until mid-April, without clarifying whether the mosque will remain closed for that period.

Despite condemnations from Arab and Islamic countries, Israeli authorities have refused to reopen the mosque to worshippers.

WAFA