RAMALLAH: The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine Sheikh Mohammed Hussein said the general closure Israel imposed on the West Bank prevents thousands of Palestinian worshipers from attended the last Friday prayers of the Muslim month of Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem (known by Muslims as Al-Quds).
The Israeli security establishment was on high alert Friday, the eve of Jewish New Year. The West Bank was put under a general closure at Thursday midnight, which will be lifted until after Monday.
At the same time, security activity in crowded areas, shopping centers, hitchhikers’ stations and trains has been increased. Particularly busy areas will be deemed “security territory” where temporary police stations will be set up for the public’s safety.
Police volunteers will secure many synagogues. In addition, security checks at international border crossings will be boosted and activity against illegal residents will continue.
Hussein told Arab News that nearly 150,000 Palestinian worshipers have reached Al-Aqsa, Islam’s third-holiest mosque after the Grand Mosque of Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Since the early hours of Friday morning, thousands of Palestinian from across the northern West Bank cities Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin gathered at the Qalandiah crossing, north of Jerusalem, Al Aizariyah crossing to the east of Jerusalem, waiting in long-crowded rows to be allowed entry.
The Israeli security forces have allowed Palestinian married men aged 50 and over and women aged 45 and over to enter Jerusalem.
“Whereas Muslims from all around the world are holding the International Day of Al-Quds, the Israeli suppressive measures have prevented Palestinian worshipers from reaching Al-Aqsa,” said Sheikh Hussein.
Al Quds Day is held each year on the last Friday of Ramadan. Rallies in support of Palestine are held in every capital of the world.
