Palestine News Network (PNN) : "Extremists have attempted for weeks to storm Al Aqsa" par Maisa cAbu Ghazaleh

Extremists have attempted for weeks to storm Al Aqsa

27.09.09 - 22:30

Jerusalem / Maisa Abu Ghazaleh for PNN – As attacks continued inside the Al Aqsa Mosque courtyards today, sporadic clashes went on at the outer gates.

Dozens of people were injured by gas, bullets and beatings while others were arrested.

At the Bab Hatta gate just after noon prayers a number of young people were arrested by an Israeli undercover unit there. All Muslims under the age of 50 had been banned from entering. They also prevented journalists from taking photos of the arrests and beatings. Students called out a chant common to demonstrations, “We sacrifice our blood; we sacrifice ourselves for you, Al Aqsa.”

Sheikh Abdul Azim Salhab, President of the Endowment, denounced the Israeli actions. “Consistently extremists have in recent weeks attempted to storm Al Aqsa from different gates while the police facilitate their entry through the Magrahbi Gate, the keys to which the Israelis have controlled since 1976. These attempts are aimed at compromising the sanctity of the Al Aqsa Mosque and are a provocation of the feelings of Muslims in the holiest of sanctuaries.”

Sheikh Salhab praised the vigilance of the Mosque guards and the presence of the worshipers, and stressed the need for awareness of all Palestinian citizens, Arabs and the Islamic world of the targeting of Al Aqsa Mosque. “We must take note of the dangers around us as the city of Jerusalem is being Judaized with the building of settlements and excavations.”

The Waqf had asked the Israeli police to not open the Moroccan Gate to any tourists today in order to prevent provocations by Jewish settlers, but the police refused and began by opening the door into the Mosque this morning. Citizens confronted the group of settlers, chanting, while the police open bullet fire toward them.

Israeli forces prevented ambulances entry for treating the injured, however the clinic inside the Mosque courtyard is for first aid only and is not prepared for emergency cases such as shootings.

Sheikh Sabri Sabri has called for an investigation into the Israeli incitement. The Palestinians had been clear in asking the Israelis to not open the door to the settlers today. Sheikh Sabri said this evening, “The police have engaged in unjust acts of aggression and have violated the Al Aqsa mosque. These provocations are coming from the settlers and their protectors.”

For his part, Attorney Zahi Nujidat, a spokesman for the Islamic movement, said that the occupying administration is using its capabilities to harm Al Aqsa Mosque.

Fateh Revolutionary Council member Dmitri Diliani said that preserving the sanctity of Muslim holy site is of utmost importance. He noted the high number of Fateh members and those from the PLO who entered the courtyards early Sunday in order to protect the Haram Al Sharif and other Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem from the threats issued by Jewish extremists.

Dilani added that the Israeli government is promoting and supporting the settler gangs, which emphasizes the racist character of the occupying state.

 


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