Occupied Jerusalem: Thousands of Palestinians performed Friday prayers at Al Aqsa Mosque today, despite the strict military measures imposed by Israel occupation Forces.
According to The Jerusalem Waqf and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, around 80,000 worshippers attended the Friday prayers at Al Aqsa. Meanwhile, Israeli forces imposed severe restrictions on worshippers coming from the West Bank to occupied Jerusalem to pray at the mosque.
The occupation army reinforced its presence at Qalandiya military checkpoint north of occupied Jerusalem and the "300" checkpoint between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. It conducted thorough ID checks and denied entry to men under 55 and women under 50, even those with special permits.
Despite these restrictions, thousands of Palestinians attempted to reach Al-Aqsa from early morning, making their way through the two checkpoints. The occupation forces also imposed tight restrictions at the gates of Al Aqsa, inspecting young Palestinians IDs at the entrances to the Old City and the mosque, preventing many from entering.
Al Aqsa Mosque continues to see large numbers of worshippers, especially on Fridays and during Ramadan, despite Israeli escalation and ongoing attempts to restrict access.
