Palestinians hold night prayers at Bab al-Rahmeh area of Al-Aqsa Mosque
Jerusalem (QNN) – Palestinians on Thursday night held the Isha (night-time) prayer at Bab al-Rahmeh area inside Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem in a show of defiance against an Israeli decision to seal off the area for Muslim worshiping.
Dozens of people gathered at Bab al-Rahmeh gate on the eastern edge of Al-Aqsa Mosque where they held the prayers following calls to hold prayers in that area until the Israeli occupation authorities reopen it.
Earlier this week, Palestinians removed chains installed by Israeli police on a metal gate at the entrance to a building at Bab al-Rahmeh gate, leading to confrontations that resulted in several injuries and arrests as well as orders to dozens of Palestinians to stay away from Al-Aqsa compound and the Old City or face arrest and prison terms.
Palestinians fear Israel is planning to turn that area and the building into a Jewish temple in the heart of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the third holiest site in Islam, after Jewish fanatics were seen in recent days and weeks holding religious rituals in that area under police protection.
The Jordan-run Islamic Waqf, which is in charge of Al-Aqsa Mosque, has vowed to press for free Muslim worship at Bab al-Rahmeh as part of Al-Aqsa compound despite the Israeli ban.
