The Islamic Waqf has retracted its decision to close the Al-Aqsa Mosque to prevent the spread of coronavirus, claiming that Israel intends to allow Jews to continue ascending the Temple Mount throughout the lockdown, according to a report in the Palestinian Authority official WAFA news agency.
The Temple Mount, one of the world’s holiest sites for all three Abrahamic faiths, has long been a flashpoint for violence between Israelis and Palestinians. The area is administered by the Islamic Waqf, which is affiliated with the Jordanian authorities; Israel, however, retains security control of the site.
A source in the Waqf tells WAFA: “After we realized that the occupation authorities intended to open the Mughrabi Gate during the lockdown so that settlers could storm the mosque, we decided to keep the doors of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque open.”
“In the event that the occupation’s police do not abide by this decision, the mosque will remain open to worshipers,” the source says.
Israel Police could not be immediately reached for comment.
— Aaron Boxerman
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