Israel bans dawn call to prayer at Bethlehem mosque

Israeli forces banned the dawn call to prayer (azan) and congregational Subuh prayers at a mosque in the village of Husan, west of Bethlehem, in the early hours of Saturday. Security sources told a WAFA news agency correspondent that the troops also forced worshippers to leave the mosque. WAFA reported that Israeli forces stormed the mosque and expelled the congregation before firing stun grenades and tear gas at them. Israel also closed all gates and entrances leading to the village of Al Arqoub, southwest of Bethlehem. Furthermore, they assaulted a resident of Nahalin as he crossed the main gate separating Bethlehem from other areas in the province.