Israeli Occupation Forces Ban Entry of Palestinian Muslims Less Than 45 Years Old Into Al-Aqsa Mosque

[ 01/09/2008 - 11:24 AM ]

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)--

A spokesman for the Israeli occupation forces has said that all Palestinians under 45 years old living in the West Bank would be barred from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque during Friday congregations in the holy month of Ramadan.

The Hebrew radio quoted the spokesman as saying that the decision was ordered by the Israeli occupation government war minister Ehud Barak.

It said that the decision also applies to women who are under 30 years old. Anyone exceeding that age should obtain a special permit from the Israeli military authorities, the broadcast added.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been denied passage to occupied Jerusalem to pray in Al-Aqsa Mosque for many years.

The holy month of Ramadan starts in Palestine and Most Muslim countries

Monday September 01, 2008 13:21 by George Rishmawi - IMEMC News

The Mufti of Jerusalem has declared that the Holy Month of Ramadan started in Palestine, on September 1, 2008, as the religious courts confirmed seeing the crescent moon of Ramadan.

The sighting and an agreement are required to officially declare the beginning of the month.

On Saturday night Chief Justice Shaikh Taysir Al-Tamimi set all of the Religious courts in Palestine ready to monitor the crescent moon.

The Palestinian Authority has also announced the change of clock to fall to daylight saving (GMT +2) which will ensure one hour less of the fasting time.

This month is of great religious importance for Muslims. They increase observance of Islamic teachings, social activities, exchange family visits, and do a lot of charitable work.

On the other hand, in Ramadan Israel beefs up its military and police presence in Jerusalem and makes it harder for worshippers to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers.

At least 200,000 worshippers attend the Friday prayers in east Jerusalem, under heavy Israeli occupation forces and police presence.

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