The Al-Aqsa Mosque, a site of immense significance in the Israel-Palestine conflict and considered the third holiest place by Muslims, was the backdrop for tense scenes that unfolded on a recent Friday. These events occurred in the wake of a deadly attack on Israel by Hamas. Israeli forces, fully outfitted in riot gear and armed with rifles, moved to disperse the crowd that had gathered around the mosque. They enforced a strict entry policy, permitting only older men, women, and children to access the expansive hilltop complex situated at the heart of Jerusalem's Old City for the observance of Friday prayers.
Amid this highly volatile situation, the India Today team present on the ground engaged in conversations with the worshipers who had assembled at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
A Palestinian man voiced his concerns, stating, "The people in Gaza, they are all civilians and elderly, and they are enduring a great deal of suffering, and they have not committed any wrongdoings. This is the current state of affairs, and we all yearn for peace."
Another individual observed the scene unfolding around the mosque compound, noting, "If you look around, you'll see the streets are eerily deserted. They didn't allow people to come here for prayers today. They claimed the number exceeded 70 people. We are helpless in this situation."
He further commented on the ongoing assault on Gaza, saying, "The attacks on Gaza show no sign of abating. They are targeting innocent civilians. We hold hope that the situation will improve because there are many children in Gaza who need protection."
A woman who had arrived to offer her prayers recounted how Israeli soldiers were preventing worshipers from entering and were questioning their origins. She expressed the extreme difficulty of the situation, sharing her experience, "The situation is incredibly challenging. I came here with my children. Every 20 meters, Israeli soldiers intercept us, demanding to know our place of origin and informing us that we lack permission to pray there. It's a distressing situation, and our options are limited. All we can do is pray—pray for the safety of our people in Gaza and especially for the protection of our children."
Addressing the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, the woman revealed the overwhelming sorrow and powerlessness felt by the people. "We weep; we weep every minute. We are powerless to effect change. I implore the entire world, human rights organizations, anyone who can help, to intervene and put an end to this crime."
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