Doha/Information Office/27 August 2015/The State of Qatar has strongly condemned the Israeli occupation authorities' closure of a number of gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque in face of worshippers and allowing extremists and settlers to storm Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of the occupation authorities' military and policemen. In a statement issued today, the Foreign Ministry said the State of Qatar condemns the violations by Israel in the holy places and against the Palestinian people as well as its infringement on freedom to worship, stressing the special status of Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims. The statement reiterated Qatar's categorical rejection of such acts that would exacerbate tension and instability in the region.