Description

Photos:
Scene. Published by Maan News
_____

JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces closed off gates of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on Friday afternoon preventing Palestinians from entering the site.

Head of the Al-Aqsa Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani declared open sit-in at all gates of the mosque in protest against closure.

Israeli forces led by Nir Barakat, Israeli mayor of Jerusalem, raided the al-Qibli mosque -- the main mosque where Muslim worshipers perform prayers-- located inside the Al-Aqsa.

Hundreds of Palestinian worshipers performed Asr (afternoon) prayers at the Lions Gate in protest.

Israeli forces had raided the compound earlier on Friday firing stun grenades at worshipers.