Muslims Targeted During Friday the 13th Prayers in Israel
Israeli Police Target Muslims Praying in Jerusalem
It’s the 13th Friday at the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, but this time, the Israeli police have created a security perimeter and are using arbitrary practices to allow only a select few people inside. According to CNN TÜRK reporter Çağdaş Evren Şenlik and the cameraman, Muslims over the age of 60-65 are generally preferred to enter the mosque, while young people are once again not allowed in.
For the past 12 weeks, tensions have been escalating in the streets of Muslim neighborhoods, and the Israeli police have continued to target those wanting to pray, using sound bombs and pepper gas. Images from today show the aftermath of the prayer rugs and gloves left on the ground as a result of these attacks.
According to reports from the ground, Israeli police officers have attacked and intervened with batons on those not stopping their prayers, despite being 1.5 kilometers away from the mosque. This recent development illustrates a continued oppression of those wanting to pray in the streets of the Masjid al-Aqsa.
Given the continued tensions in Jerusalem, the situation remains precarious, and the issue continues to draw concerns from around the world. It is clear that a resolution is urgently needed to maintain peace and allow worshippers to practice their faith without fear of intimidation or violence.
