Israeli settlers hold prayers at gate to Aqsa Mosque

Dozens of Israeli settlers Thursday held Jewish prayers in the Qattanin market area in the Old City of Jerusalem, which leads to the yards of al-Aqsa Mosque, according to witnesses. They said police forced Palestinian shops in the covered market to close their stores to allow the settlers, to hold prayer in that area and at the gate that leads to the mosque under the protection of the israeli police forces. Police, nevertheless, did not allow the settlers to enter the compound through that gate. Jewish settlers, however, were allowed to enter the Muslim holy place through Magharbeh Gate, which is next to the Western Wall, but there were no immediate reports of disturbances in the Mosque area.