Palestinians from West Bank denied entry to celebrate Prophet`s birth anniversary

Abdelraouf Arnaout, JERUSALEM: The Israeli police on Thursday limited the entry of Palestinians to Al-Aqsa Mosque by setting checkpoints in Jerusalem`s old city.

Since early morning, thousands of Palestinians gathered in Al-Aqsa Mosque complex where the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf (religious endowments) organized a celebration in connection with the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad`s birth known as Mawlid al-Nabawi.

According to eyewitnesses who spoke to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli police prevented the Palestinians, including children and women, from the West Bank areas to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque.

During the celebration, Al-Aqsa Mosque Imam Sheikh Yousef Abu Sneina highlighted the life of Prophet Muhammad and his messages of tolerance and mercy to mankind.

Meanwhile, acting Chief Justice of Jerusalem`s Islamic Courts Wasif al-Bakri slammed the French president’s insulting remarks against Islam.

Thousands of Palestinians performed their prayers in Al-Aqsa adhering to the social distancing rule and wearing masks.

The Prophet`s birth celebrations this year coincide with protests across the Muslim world condemning the publications of offensive cartoons in France.