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Colonists storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under Israeli police protection
5-29-2024
JERUSALEM, Sunday, May 26, 2024 (WAFA) — Groups of Israeli colonists stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem this morning under Israeli police protection.
Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of colonists made their way into Al-Aqsa through the Moroccan Gate, conducted provocative tours, and performed Talmudic rituals throughout the courtyards of the mosque.
Meanwhile, Israeli police stationed at the gates of the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque prevented several Palestinian citizens from entering, resulting in a significant decline in the number of worshippers.
This incident coincides with preparations by thousands of colonists to storm the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem this evening to celebrate the Jewish Torch Festival. The colonists plan to mark the event in and around a cave they claim contains the tomb of "Simeon the Just."
Residents of the neighborhood reported that since Saturday evening, mobs of Israeli colonists have been provoking the residents under the pretext of celebrating the festival, accompanied by loud music that continued late into the night.
The neighborhood committee stated that Sheikh Jarrah has been completely closed off since Sunday morning, restricting movement within its streets to facilitate the colonists' activities. The open land in the neighborhood has been seized and cleared in preparation for the celebration.
Residents expressed their concerns, feeling imprisoned in their homes amidst the heavy presence of hundreds of Israeli police officers and facing provocations and assaults by the colonists. They are particularly worried about their homes and safety as the colonists, many armed, arrive in the neighborhood.
The residents voiced concerns for their children and young men, fearing attacks from both the Israeli colonists and police.
Footnotes: Footnotes: https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/144448
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