Occupied Jerusalem and Ramallah, March 16 (Petra) – Israeli occupation authorities continued the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, barring the entry of worshippers to the compound for the 17th consecutive day, under the pretext of security due to the US-Israeli war on Iran.

"For the first time since 1967, the occupation authorities blocked worshippers from performing prayers and observing Itikaf (seclusion for worship typically during the last ten days of Ramadan) at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, resulting in the absence of worshippers on the last Friday of Ramadan," the Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate said in a press release.

The governorate has warned of rising incitement led by extremist so-called "Temple Mount" organizations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque, amid the ongoing closure.

"What is happening cannot be considered temporary security measures, as the occupation authorities claim, but it is part of a political and ideological agenda aimed to alter the existing religious, historical, and legal status quo at the holy compound," it said.

Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces launched widespread search-and-arrest raids across the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, where 25 "wanted" Palestinians were detained, including ex-prisoners. The raids triggered clashes in some areas as local residents confronted troops and Jewish settlers attacking Palestinian property, the Palestinian Prisoners Club said.

//Petra//SS