Massive Gathering of Worshipers Attend Friday Prayers at Aqsa Mosque

Tens of thousands of worshipers conducted Friday prayers at the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, undeterred by the Israeli occupation forces’ restrictions and increased security measures at military checkpoints around Jerusalem, the Old City, and the Mosque premises.

The Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department has reported that a significant number of worshippers convened at the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers. The attendees also performed absentee prayers to honor the souls of martyrs from Gaza and the West Bank.

Israeli police have compelled individuals banned from Al-Aqsa to vacate the Old City, after restricting their ability to pray nearby.

Heavy deployment of Israeli forces was observed throughout the streets of Occupied Jerusalem, particularly around the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Authorities conducted searches of individuals and their belongings as they attempted to make their way towards the Mosque.

In addition, a significant number of young men were halted en route to the Old City, as occupation forces barred their access to Al-Aqsa, preventing them from attending Friday prayers.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is reportedly subjected to ongoing incursions by settlers on a daily basis, with the exception of Fridays and Saturdays. These actions occur under the protection of Israeli security forces, as part of what is perceived as an effort to establish full authority over the site and enforce a temporal and spatial division.

Since October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have enforced stringent restrictions on Al-Aqsa Mosque, significantly limiting the entry of Muslim worshipers. Security measures have been intensified at the mosque’s gates, with iron barriers erected and individuals arriving at the site facing detentions and restricted access to this revered Islamic location.