Israeli occupation police have begun transforming occupied Jerusalem and the area surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque into a military zone to facilitate the settlers’ celebrations of the so-called "Jewish Passover."

The Israeli police have intensified their presence, deploying more forces and setting up military checkpoints and iron barricades at the entrances to the Old City and around Al-Aqsa Mosque. These measures are intended to secure the settlers’ storming of the mosque during the Passover holiday, which begins on April 13.

Nasser Al-Hidmi, a specialist in Jerusalem affairs, stated that the occupation exploits its holidays and religious occasions to alter the status quo in Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem, and to project its sovereignty over the area.