Palestinian Official Warns of Unpredictable Consequences If Metal Detectors Not Removed

Rasa - A Palestinian minister said on Thursday that there can be unpredictable consequences if metal detectors the Israeli police had set up outside the gates to Al-Aqsa Mosque are not removed by Friday.

News ID: 431122

Date: 20 July 2017 - 23:37

RNA - Minister of Jerusalem Affairs in the Palestinian Authority, Adnan Husseini, said that thousands of Muslims are expected to come to the mosque on Friday for the Friday prayer and if the metal detectors are still in place, no one will enter the compound and prayer will be held on the roads and alleys leading to the mosque, WAFA reported.

He warned in an interview with Voice of Palestine radio that the situation could get out of hand and no one will then be able to predict what could happen.

Israel installed the metal detectors on Sunday and would not allow anyone to enter the compound without being inspected first.

Palestinians and Muslim leaders have rejected the new measure as a violation of the standing status quo and vowed not to enter the mosque compound until they are removed.

They have been holding the five prayers every day outside the gates to the compound and often resulted in serious clashes with police and injuries.

Husseini said removing the metal detectors would allow people to enter the mosque freely and would end the current tension, expressing hope that this could be done soon so that the Friday prayer will go on smoothly.

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