Israel closes Al-Aqsa for Muslims amid mass settler raids and ‘Flag March’

Israeli forces violently blocked Palestinian Muslims from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday, as they facilitated large-scale raids by ultranationalists ahead of the “Flag March” through Jerusalem’s Old City. 

The Old City, in occupied East Jerusalem, was placed under near-total lockdown to accommodate the marches and incursions, with Palestinian-owned shops forced to shut and residents ordered indoors.

“Security barriers and restrictions are tighter than ever before,” an employee of the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, which administers Al-Aqsa Mosque, told Middle East Eye on condition of anonymity.

Since dawn prayers, Israeli authorities have imposed strict measures at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.

Israeli forces searched worshippers attempting to reach the site, confiscated ID cards, and barred men under 60 and women under 50 from entering.

Local sources told MEE that worshippers were assaulted, shoved and beaten at several mosque gates.

Shortly after dawn prayers ended, the mosque was largely emptied of Palestinians, except for a small number of Waqf staff.

Read more: Israel closes Al-Aqsa for Muslims amid mass settler raids and ‘Flag March’