PNA warns Israel on closing Al-Aqsa Mosque's gate permanently

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday warned Israel against closing one of the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem.

In a statement emailed to reporters, the ministry condemned the recommendation of Israeli police inspector Roni al-Sheikh to completely close Bab al-Rahma building that leads to Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Bab al-Rahma building has been closed by an Israeli decision since 2003 and is being renewed periodically.

The ministry considered that the recommendation to close the door permanently "comes within the attempts of Israel to change the historical and legal situation in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and gradually absorb any possible reactions."

The statement stressed that "Israel is not entitled as an occupying and aggressor state."

The statement went on saying that "Israel has no moral or legal right to issue judgments or decisions on behalf of the authority responsible for Islamic endowments."

The Palestinian foreign ministry accused Israel of working to "change the status quo in Al-Aqsa and to deport the responsible and active Islamic institutions that are working to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites."

The ministry warned that the recommendation of the Israeli police "represents a dangerous escalation that will have catastrophic repercussions on the battlefield."

The Palestinian territories experienced a wave of tension after the Palestinians abstained for two weeks from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque due to security measures established by Israel in July 14 in the vicinity of the mosque after it witnessed an armed attack, where three Palestinians and two Israeli policemen were killed.

The Palestinians were no longer praying inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque until Thursday, July 27, after Israel removed all its security measures and measures.