Israeli authorities retreat on setting metal barrier in the Damascus Gate

Jerusalem24 – The Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, reported today, Sunday, that the occupation police decided not to set iron barriers in the Damascus Gate area during the holy month of Ramadan (about a month and a half later), to prevent events like the ones that took place last year.

According to the newspaper, “The Jerusalem Municipality of the occupation authorities plans to hold cultural events in the Damascus Gate area, amid support for this step from the Israeli police.”

The newspaper pointed out that the occupation police are “preparing to receive the month of Ramadan by trying to maintain the calm situation,” as the Damascus Gate area is one of the most popular areas for Palestinian public gatherings.

This update comes after Minister of Internal Security in the Israeli government, Omer Bar-Lev stormed the Damascus Gate area last week, reviewing parts of a plan to change the security procedures and arrangements at the gate; which is the main entrance to the Old City for about 70% of the worshipers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque.