LONDON: Israeli authorities have closed Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the walled city of Jerusalem for 40 consecutive days, despite a ceasefire in which the US, Israel, and Iran have agreed to stop military action for two weeks.
Under the pretext of a “state of emergency” announced on Feb. 28, Israeli authorities banned mass gatherings in Jerusalem and across the country. The only exceptions allowed were for 50 worshippers at the Western Wall, the most revered site for Jews, and clergy in churches during holy week early in April.
The Palestinian Authority says that Israel is leveraging the regional conflict to tighten its control over Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to the Wafa news agency.
It noted that Jewish extremist groups, known as “Temple Mount” groups, called for visits to the site to mark the Passover holiday and to conduct the ritual of animal sacrifices there.
The PA said that the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a violation of the right to freedom of worship and a dangerous escalation requiring urgent international intervention, Wafa reported.
