'The metal detectors are just the first step': Palestinians say the Israeli takeover of Al Aqsa is a red line that can't be crossed

'The metal detectors are just the first step': Palestinians say the Israeli takeover of Al Aqsa is a red line that can't be crossed

 Speaking to Mondoweiss from Friday’s prayer at Lion’s Gate in Jerusalem,
Sheikh Mustafa Tawil fears the latest Israeli security measures at the
Al-Aqsa mosque will lead to partitioning
it just like with Hebron’s Ibrahimi mosque in 1994. “Muslims aren’t
allowed to pray at the Ibrahimi mosque on Israeli weekends and holidays.
The occupiers want to do the same thing to Al Aqsa mosque,” Tawil said.
“We refuse these gates because they were set up by the occupiers to
force their control over the mosque. We refuse the Israelis’ sovereignty
over the mosque at all. The metal detectors are just the first step in
dividing Al Aqsa mosque.”

 

Men under the age 50 were among those prevented from entering the
courtyard to pray outside of the Al Aqsa compound for Friday's noon
prayer. (Photo: Mersiha Gadzo)