Al-Aqsa holy mosque compound, Islam’s third holiest site, reopened on Sunday after being closed for over two months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Dozens of worshippers in protective masks were let into the compound before the first prayers of the day, held in cool and windy conditions.
Chanting “God is greatest, we will protect Al-Aqsa with our soul and blood”, the worshippers who gathered in front of the large wooden doors were welcomed by mosque director Omar al-Kiswani, who thanked them for their patience.
#بالفيديو
شاهد لحظة اعادة فتح المسجد الأقصى وسط تكبيرات المصلين بعد ٧٠ يوم من إغلاقه بسبب كورونا #يونيوز. pic.twitter.com/d7mxgxr2nm— وكالة يونيوز للأخبار (@uunionnews) May 31, 2020
As part of ongoing efforts to tackle the virus, worshippers’ temperatures were taken and staff distributed masks to those entering the compound. Tape inside the mosque and on the stones outside marked where people should pray at a safe distance.
Zionist Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa
Also on Sunday, dozens of Zionist settlers stormed the holy compound, following calls to hold Jewish prayers there a day earlier. The settlers were backed by occupation forces who were stationed at the gates to the site.
فيديو يظهر اقتحام عشرات المستوطنين باحات المسجد الأقصى المبارك اليوم #فلسطين #يونيوز pic.twitter.com/5IOT2DntUd
— وكالة يونيوز للأخبار (@uunionnews) May 31, 2020
Earlier on Saturday, Israeli occupation police shot dead a disabled Palestinian, claiming they mistakenly thought was armed, prompting furious condemnation from the Palestinians.
The religious site, which houses Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, had closed its doors in March as part of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Source: Agencies
