Muslim worshippers pray near the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque during Laylat Al-Qadr on June 11, 2018. (Xinhua/Muammar Awad)
Thousands of Muslim worshipers prayed fajr prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, which was reopened on Sunday after 70 days of closing amid COVID-19 pandemic.
RAMALLAH, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem was opened on Sunday after 70 days of closing as part of precautionary and protective measures to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Muslim worshippers are seen at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City on May 31, 2020. (Xinhua/Muammar Awad)
Earlier in the day, thousands of Muslim worshipers prayed fajr prayer, wearing medical facemasks and using their own prayer rugs, according to Omar Kiswani, director of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Muslim worshippers are seen at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City on May 31, 2020. (Xinhua/Muammar Awad)
"We are insisting to protect our holy mosque at all times, especially when it besieged whether from a coronavirus pandemic or any other reason. It is an Islamic place for all Muslims," said Kiswani, urging worshipers to keep social distancing.
Meanwhile, Ekrima Sabri, head of the Palestinian Higher Islamic Council and the preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, called all people suffering from symptoms of illness not to attend and pray in the holy place.
Sabri said in a press statement sent to Xinhua that "I hope prayers will go smoothly, calmly and regularly, as well as all worshipers abide by our instructions to avoid the new virus."
Palestinians clash with Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, Aug. 11, 2019. (Xinhua/Muammar Awad)
On the other hand, Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that dozens of settlers entered the mosque, hours after the opening, under heavy guards.
The sources added "the Israeli policemen arrested six Palestinians from the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque as settlers entered it." ■
