OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Around 100,000 worshippers performed the Isha and Taraweeh prayers on Friday evening at Aqsa Mosque in Occupied Jerusalem, despite strict military measures imposed by Israeli forces at the Mosque’s entrances and surrounding areas.
The Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem reported that tens of thousands were able to reach the Mosque and perform prayers, despite tightened restrictions that included limiting access and preventing large numbers of Palestinians, particularly those from the West Bank, from entering the city.
Since the afternoon hours, Israeli forces had barred thousands of worshippers from entering to Aqsa, turning many back at Qalandia checkpoint north of Jerusalem and Checkpoint 300 between Occupied Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
These restrictions coincided with a heightened Israeli military presence across Occupied Jerusalem, particularly around the Old City and at the gates of Aqsa Mosque, in an apparent effort to limit attendance during the holy month of Ramadan.
In recent days, Israeli authorities have also issued more than 300 expulsion orders banning Jerusalem residents from accessing Aqsa throughout Ramadan.
Earlier on Friday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Aqsa compound, the first Friday of Ramadan, under heavy police protection, amid intensified security measures in and around the Old City.
During the visit, Ben-Gvir held a field meeting with senior police officials, calling for even stricter measures at Aqsa during Ramadan, a move widely seen as a further escalation.
Israeli forces continue to impose severe restrictions on Palestinians from the West Bank and Jerusalem seeking to access the holy Islamic site, while also issuing bans against dozens of activists.
Meanwhile, Hamas called for increased mobilization and presence at the Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, urging Palestinians to protect the site from Israeli measures and settler activities and to reaffirm their religious and historical rights to the Mosque.
Palestinian and Jerusalem-based groups have also called for intensified presence and visits to the Aqsa throughout Ramadan, in response to the escalating efforts to isolate the Mosque from its Palestinian surroundings and restrict access to worshippers.
