Tens of Thousands of Palestinians Attend Friday Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque Despite Israeli Restrictions

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Today, tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered to perform Friday prayers at the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surrounding courtyards, demonstrating their devotion despite strict restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on worshippers.

Israeli forces significantly increased their presence across Jerusalem’s Old City and nearby areas, particularly around the Lions’ Gate and Damascus Gate, where multiple checkpoints were established. Police implemented tighter entry procedures for those seeking to reach the mosque, including checking identification documents, detaining some worshippers, and turning away several young men.

In a separate incident near the Chain Gate, Israeli occupation forces reportedly assaulted a young man, preventing him from accessing the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Israeli authorities continue to enforce stringent measures aimed at limiting access to the mosque, particularly targeting younger worshippers. Numerous checkpoints have been set up at entrances to the Old City and at the gates of the mosque itself, reflecting an ongoing effort to restrict the number of individuals able to enter the holy site.

Despite these obstacles, calls for broad participation in both dawn and Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa persisted. Worshippers were urged to maintain a visible presence in the mosque’s courtyards as a demonstration of the site’s Islamic identity and as a stance against ongoing Israeli policies and plans affecting the holy compound.

Supporters of Al-Aqsa emphasized that continued attendance and presence at the mosque represent a unified popular commitment to protecting the sanctity of the holy site. They noted that such actions also help sustain public momentum in addressing the escalating violations targeting both the sacred city and its residents.

These events underline the resilience of Palestinian worshippers in the face of intensified restrictions, reflecting their steadfast determination to uphold their religious rights and preserve the spiritual significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Source: Yemen News Agency