Israeli Extremist Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City

Monday March 09, 2009 16:41 by Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News & Agencies

A group of 30 Israeli extremist settlers stormed the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied Old City of Jerusalem midday Monday.

Palestinian worshippers said that the group were disguised as tourists, and as soon as they were at the main courtyard they started to conduct prayers for the Jewish holiday Purim.

Local sources said that Israeli troops and police arrived at the location and moved the settlers away.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest place for Muslims; Jewish extremists say that the mosque was built on top of the Suleiman Temple, a claim that was not proven by archeologists.

In related news, the Israeli military announced a total closure of the Palestinian areas because of the Jewish holiday Purim. The Israeli occupation army announced that the closure will be implemented from Monday untill Wednesday.

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