Jerusalem Governorate says 593 Israelis entered Al-Aqsa compound
In East Jerusalem on Sunday, September 13, 593 Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while Palestinians’ access to the holy site was restricted during the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. This was reported by Anadolu Agency, citing the Jerusalem Governorate.
Entry through the Moroccan Gate
According to the Governorate, 593 people entered the compound through the Moroccan Gate, also known as Bab al-Maghariba. The entries took place in the morning and afternoon under the protection of Israeli forces. The Governorate initially reported 480 people and later revised the figure to 593.
During morning prayers, Israeli authorities restricted Palestinians’ access to the compound through the Hutta Gate and the Chain Gate, the Governorate said. According to its information, age restrictions were also imposed on worshippers, but soldiers at checkpoints did not specify which age groups were allowed entry.
The Governorate said that as a result of these measures, many people were unable to reach the mosque. A small number of those who reached the area of the holy site were forced to pray near its gates.
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Statements on access restrictions
The Governorate linked the entries into the compound to calls by Israeli Temple groups to intensify such actions during the Jewish New Year. It also reported an increase in orders prohibiting Palestinians from entering the holy site: since the beginning of the year, about 850 such orders have been recorded, according to the agency.
On Friday, the Governorate warned of intensified calls by Israeli Temple groups to conduct religious rituals at the Al-Aqsa compound during Jewish holidays. Rosh Hashanah lasts from September 12 to 13; it will be followed by Yom Kippur on September 21, Sukkot from September 26 to October 2, and Simchat Torah on October 3.
According to the agency, since 2003 Israeli police have allowed Israelis to enter the compound despite calls by the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf to stop such entries.
