“Israel” tightens Jerusalem ‘siege’

Palestinians in Jerusalem's Old City are describing it as a community "under siege" as "Israeli" forces continue to operate in large numbers fearing renewed demonstrations.

Restrictions in the city were so severe that children were prevented from reaching schools in the Old City.

"Israeli" forces also prevented Islamic Endowment (Waqf) personnel from reaching the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which has been the site of rolling demonstrations and clashes with "Israeli" forces over the past four days.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Palestinian officials including members of the Knesset arrived in the Old City to meet with Waqf officials.

The delegation also planned to visit a group of worshippers who have been holed up inside the Mosque for the past five days in an ongoing standoff with "Israeli" police who have threatened to arrest them.

"Israeli" police initially prevented the official delegation from entering the Mosque but then relented, reportedly after coordination with security officials.

Inside the Al-Aqsa Compound, Mufti Muhammad Hussein received the delegation. "All attempts by the "Israeli" occupation to divide the Palestinians, be they in the West Bank, Gaza Strip or Al Quds (Jerusalem), will fail," he was quoted as saying by the website Ynet.

The recent protests, he added, "Are the product of the occupation... If religious equality were exercised we wouldn't have such problems. Jewish extremists would go as far as endangering the mosque - they declare as much day in and day out - that is what has brought on the recent day's events."