OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Around 60,000 Palestinians performed the Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque despite heavy Israeli restrictions and widespread military deployment across the Old City of occupied Jerusalem.
Jerusalem-based sources said tens of thousands of worshippers managed to reach the Mosque, even as Israeli occupation police forces closed several major streets leading to the holy site, creating severe delays and obstructing access to its gates.
From the early morning hours, police forces expanded their security measures across the Old City, deploying heavily around Al-Aqsa and erecting both fixed and mobile checkpoints at Bab al-Asbat and several other entrances. These measures significantly restricted movement and increased the hardship for Palestinians trying to reach the Mosque for prayers.
Witnesses reported that Israeli troops stopped groups of young men at Bab al-Sahira and barred them from entering Al-Aqsa, part of Israel’s ongoing policy of tightening access to worshippers, particularly on Fridays.
Eyewitnesses also noted that Israeli forces closed central routes near the Friday market, causing overcrowding and large gatherings of worshippers stuck in the streets.
These restrictions came as Palestinian activists urged mass attendance and steadfast presence inside Al-Aqsa to counter Israeli attempts, along with settler groups, to impose further limitations or alter the religious status quo at the holy site.
Despite the obstacles, thousands ultimately reached the Mosque’s courtyards and performed Friday prayer, underscoring Palestinians’ unwavering commitment to their religious and national rights in Al-Aqsa Mosque.
