Israel to reopen Al Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday

GAZA CITY - 15 July 2017: Israel said it will reopen the Al Aqsa Mosque compound starting from noon on Sunday, according to a statement attributed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Al Arabiya news channel reported on Saturday.

Israeli police banned last Friday’s Muslim prayers at Al Aqsa mosque after two Israeli policemen were shot dead in a shooting near the site.

Israeli forces then arrested the Mufti of Al Quds Sheikh Mohammed Hussein who called on worshipers to defy the ban but was later released on the same day.

The compound is the holiest site in Judaism and third holiest in Islam and is one of the most politically sensitive sacred places in the world.