An-Najah News -  The Islamic Waqf department and Muslim officials warned today that Israel is on the verge of changing the long-observed status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as a Muslim-only holy place.

The Islamic Waqf said in a statement  that Israeli police arrest of five women who were present at Bab al-Rahma prayer area and a mosque guard who intervened on the women’s behalf, as well as entry of the Israeli police into that carpeted prayer area with their boots on, “aims at changing the long-observed historic, religious and legal status quo at the Mosque.”

According to Ikrima Sabri, former Mufti of Jerusalem and current head of the Higher Islamic Council, said is beginning to lose control over the Muslim holy compound, particularly its Bab al-Rahma area east of the compound, where Israel prevents Muslims from praying.