Occupation Closes the Maghariba Gate After 1500 Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque

Jerusalem - Afaq News - The Israeli occupation authorities closed the Mughrabi Gate today, Sunday, following the incursion of about 1500 settlers into the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, on the second day of the so-called "Sukkot" Jewish holiday.

The Jerusalem Governorate reported that the settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in successive groups from the direction of the Mughrabi Gate, under heavy protection from the occupation police, amid strict security measures and restrictions on the movement of citizens in the Old City.

The courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque witnessed settlers performing Talmudic rituals and prayers, especially near the Cotton Merchants' Gate, coinciding with the entry of what is known as "vegetable offerings" into the mosque's grounds.

The occupation authorities also forced the owners of several shops in the Cotton Merchants' Market leading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque to close, while settlers performed Talmudic rituals in the market, amid restrictions on the movement of citizens.

Settlers also performed prayers at the Hutta Gate, one of the gates of the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the outside, coinciding with the continued incursions and rituals on the second day of "Sukkot."