Israelis are calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to review arrangements that allow Palestinians to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Following the shooting of three Palestinians after an alleged attack against Israeli occupation forces earlier today, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan called the incident “an extremely serious event which crossed all red lines.”

“The investigation is ongoing. We will need to re-evaluate all of the security arrangements on the Mount [Al-Aqsa Mosque] and its environs.”

Palestinians already face severe restrictions when visiting the mosque; men under the age of 45 are usually made to apply for permits in advance and visitors can be prevented from entering by Israeli soldiers stationed at the gates at any time.

Following the shooting, Israeli occupying forces have closed the mosque and cancelled Friday prayers for the first time since 1969, according to the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein.

Deputy Defence Minister Eli Ben Dahan linked the attack to last week’s UNESCO ruling designating the Ibrahimi Mosque a Palestinian heritage site endangered by Israel, claiming the victory emboldened the alleged attackers.

He also called for the closure of the mosque to continue, justifying it as necessary for Israel to “bolster its rule and control” of the holy sites.

Source: Quds Press International News Agency

Translated by: Middle East Monitor
In collaboration with the Palestinian Media Forum