Muslims prohibited from worshiping in Al-Aqsa Mosque

Jerusalem: Israeli authorities have closed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem for Muslims, while allowing Jews to worship despite the ban.

According to the reports of official Palestinian news agency Wafa, the Israeli authorities have temporarily closed all the doors of the Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslims, giving full permission to the Jews to perform their prayers.

The media reports told that the Islamic Awqaf Department of Occupied Jerusalem has confirmed the news, which is under the administrative control of Jordan.

According to the Department of Islamic Awqaf, the Israeli police officers suddenly started closing all the doors of the fortified mosque and the Muslims were barred from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The report told that under the current government agreement and the policy implemented in the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City, non-Muslims can visit the occupied Jerusalem compound but are not allowed to worship there. On the contrary, only Muslims can worship in the compound.

However, due to the sacred nature of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jewish law prohibits worship within its premises. Since this move, the policy regarding worship in Al-Aqsa Mosque has ended.

It is pertinent to note that this move has been taken at a time when the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues in Gaza which is likely to increase the tension in the region.