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Israeli forces filmed kicking Palestinian worshiper in head at al-Aqsa Mosque

Saturday, 11 January 2020 7:14 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 11 January 2020 8:25 AM ]

Israeli security forces arrive at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem al-Quds on August 11, 2019. (Photo by AFP)

A new video has emerged showing Israeli forces kicking a Palestinian man in the head repeatedly during his arrest at the al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied Old City of Jerusalem al-Quds.

In the clip, Israeli forces can be seen pushing the man to the ground while trying to handcuff him. They then start kicking him as the victim tries to shield his head. Six other Palestinian worshipers were also arrested.

The incident happened near Bab al-Rahma (Gate of Mercy or Golden Gate) in the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where tensions have been mounting between the Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces.

Witnesses said Israelis provoked and attacked the worshipers after storming into the prayer area with their boots on.

Israel closed Bab al-Rahma in 2003, alleging that it had turned into a place for political activities against the Tel Aviv regime.

In February 2019, for the first time in 16 years, the Islamic Waqf defied Israel’s ban and re-opened the gates to Palestinian worshipers.

Angered by the move, Israel has launched an arrest campaign against the Palestinians joining prayers in the premises of Bab al-Rahma.

The al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a flashpoint, highly respected by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. The mosque is Islam’s third holiest site after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina.

Arab League condemns Israel’s brutal attack on al-Aqsa Mosque

Israeli police have brutally attacked Palestinian Muslim worshipers at the mosque compound.

Palestinians have long been wary of Israeli attempts to change the status quo of the al-Aqsa Mosque, where only Muslim prayers are allowed under the status quo reaffirmed in 1967.

The holy compound is administered by the Islamic Waqf endowment on behalf of Jordan and Palestine. Non-Muslims can visit the site, but cannot pray there.

The status quo also coincided with the chief rabbinate of Israel’s declaration in 1967 that Jews were not allowed to the compound as it would desecrate the site's holiness.

However, Israeli settlers, escorted by the regime’s military, frequently desecrate the site by forcefully entering the compound.

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