Israel imposing siege on Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Israeli authorities imposed a tight cordon on Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque area on Monday and prevented Palestinians from entrance, prohibiting them from performing daily prayer at the mosque. Eyewitnesses told KUNA today that the Israeli police forces deployed early on Monday in their hundreds all around Al-Aqsa Mosque, preventing any person below the age of 50 years from entering. Workers at the mosque were also banned entry. This came a day after the incursion by radical Jewish settlers into Al-Aqsa mosque during the "Purim" Jewish holiday, with a number of radical Jewish groups calling for storming into the mosque. The incursion was under the watchful and protective eye of Israeli police, and Muslims were attacked while performing prayers. Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee member Ahmed Qurei warned against the Knesset's insistence on placing the discussion on Al-Aqsa Mosque sovereignty on its agenda this week. He added in press remarks that the suggestion of an Israeli authority to control Al-Aqsa mosque is defiance of the Arab nation and Palestinians' will, and would inflame the situation in the region even further. Source: KUNA