Occupied Quds - Saba:
Israeli forces re-closed Al-Aqsa Mosque this Sunday morning, pursuant to a decision by the Israeli Home Front Command, citing a state of emergency.
Under the decision, only employees of the Islamic Waqf Department are permitted to enter Al-Aqsa through designated gates. Religious rituals and prayers continue as usual, with only Waqf employees present, according to the Palestinian Ma'an News Agency.
This closure comes just four days after the mosque was partially reopened to worshippers.
Since last Wednesday, with the partial reopening of Al-Aqsa, Israeli forces have imposed strict restrictions on the entry of worshippers to Al-Aqsa, limiting their number to no more than 500, who are only allowed to enter through the Hatta and Silsilah gates.
In the same context, the Israeli Home Front Command announced this morning that it had reduced the level of activity throughout the country to "essential only." This includes closing educational institutions, prohibiting gatherings, and closing workplaces, with the exception of vital facilities.
The siege of the Old City of Quds continues for the second week in a row, amid tight measures around its entrances and alleys, leaving the city almost empty of its usual traffic.
Israeli authorities are preventing the opening of shops within the city, with the exception of grocery stores and stores selling essential goods. Large numbers of shoppers are also prohibited from entering. Any violation is punishable by a fine of 5,000 shekels.
In the same context, Israeli forces continue to place iron barriers at all entrances to the Old City, almost completely preventing entry to it, with the exception of residents.
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