West AsiaPalestineResistance AxisWorld News

More than 50,000 Palestinians gathered for Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, undeterred by stringent Israeli restrictions

Tens of thousands of Palestinian worshipers gathered to perform Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to reports.

Worshipers observed Friday prayers amid tight restrictions enforced by the Israeli authorities, which curbed access to the revered site.

According to statements from the Jordan-run Islamic Waqf Department and the Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, around 50,000 worshipers gathered in the courtyards of the mosque for prayers.

Local sources report that Israeli forces have bolstered their presence at crucial access points to the mosque, notably at Damascus and Lions’ Gates. Many worshipers were halted and underwent identification verification.

Security forces restricted the entry of young men into the courtyards of the mosque, leading numerous worshipers to conduct Friday prayers in the streets surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Israeli authorities have implemented stringent measures on worshippers from the occupied West Bank, restricting entry to al-Quds. Thousands were unable to gain access without acquiring specific permits issued by Israel, required for passage through the military checkpoints surrounding the city.

The Israeli government is implementing measures that significantly restrict numerous Palestinians from exercising their right to worship at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have permitted settlers and officials to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and conduct Talmudic rituals, actions that reportedly contravene existing agreements.

Since the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire last Sunday, Israeli forces have established checkpoints and erected iron gates at the entrances to Palestinian towns and villages, intensifying security measures in the region.

The Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission has reported that the Israeli authorities have established a total of 898 military checkpoints and metal gates throughout the West Bank. This includes the addition of 18 new iron gates since the start of 2025 and 146 others erected following October 7, 2023.

Restrictions have been implemented following the resumption of a lethal Israeli military operation in Jenin, located in the northern region of the occupied West Bank.

Back to top button