Al-Quds, MINA – Tens of thousands of worshippers performed Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Friday, defying tightened Israeli military measures imposed in and around occupied Jerusalem, Wafa reports.
According to the Jerusalem Governorate, large numbers of worshippers flocked to the mosque compound from the early morning hours to attend prayers, despite tight restrictions enforced by Israeli occupation forces at the gates of Al-Aqsa. A heavy military presence was also deployed throughout Jerusalem’s Old City and surrounding areas.
The Israeli occupation police had set up multiple checkpoints at the entrances leading to the Old City, inspecting IDs and preventing many young men from entering the holy site. Only older men, women, and children were allowed passage in some cases.
Worshippers arriving from the West Bank faced the strictest measures, with many reporting long hours of waiting at military checkpoints before being either allowed through or turned back.
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Despite the obstacles, the mosque’s courtyards and halls were filled to capacity, with many worshippers forced to pray in the surrounding streets and alleys.
The Jerusalem Governorate said the turnout demonstrated the deep attachment of Palestinians to their holy city and their determination to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque from ongoing Israeli attempts to alter its religious and historical status quo.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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