Israeli police officers in charge of preventing extremist settlers from performing religious rituals near the Al-Aqsa Mosque were seen praying there on Thursday.
Settlers had earlier been prevented by Jerusalem police from reaching Lion's Gate near Al-Aqsa on Thursday, yet the police themselves were later seen praying there.
Ma'an's Jerusalem correspondent reported that police removed their uniforms, put on head coverings, and began to pray in the area shortly after preventing settlers from reaching the very same place.
Hundreds of Palestinians congregated at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in an effort to stave off an anticipated invasion of the area by right-wing Israeli religious groups Thursday afternoon.
The messianic Jewish movement Chabad called on its followers to go to Al-Aqsa to "conquer and Judaize the holiest place on earth, which is being desecrated in such a disgraceful and shameful way." Several religious groups organized a march to the holy compound scheduled for Thursday. None of the groups, however, showed up at the mosque for their scheduled march.
Outside the Old City crowds were smaller than anticipated as Israeli soldiers prevented West Bank men under 50 from entering Jerusalem, and all men under 50 from entering Al-Aqsa. Those able to attend what many called the "defense of Al-Aqsa" congregated at the Lion’s Gate chanting "Allahu akbar," God is great.
The Islamic Movement inside Israel called on Palestinians to demonstrate at the Al-Aqsa compound and defend it from Israeli attack. The Movement said it was sounding a "general alarm in Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem."
Fearing riots, the Israeli police imposed restrictions on who is allowed inside the compound on Thursday. Palestinian residents of Jerusalem who are under the age of 50 are barred from the area, the police said.
Ma’an’s correspondent, reporting from the scene in Jerusalem said the Israeli police had deployed heavily in the area of the Al-Aqsa compound.
A top Palestinian Authority official on Jerusalem Affairs, Hatem Abdul-Qader said Israeli authorities who control Jerusalem are responsible for preventing violence, but nonetheless urged Palestinians to take part in the demonstrations.
"We called on the people and all the national and religious institutions to demonstrate to prevent such an action from happening," he said.
The third holiest site in Islam, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is also the location of the iconic Dome of the Rock and a major symbol of Palestinian nationalism. The area on which it rests is also claimed by Jews who believe it to be the location of the ancient Second Temple.
Israeli settlers have entered the Al-Aqsa compound at least twice in the last week. On Sunday, some 50 settlers entered the compound during a time-slot reserved for foreign tourists.
The second Palestinian Intifada (Uprising) was sparked by a visit by right-wing Israeli leader Ariel Sharon to the compound.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it, claiming the whole city as a part of its "eternal undivided capital." The international community does not recognize Israeli control over the area.
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