Around 40,000 Palestinian worshipers gathered at the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers, despite heightened security measures imposed by Israeli authorities that impacted access to the holy site.
According to the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem, the significant turnout reflects the resilience of Palestinian worshipers facing obstacles. Reports from the Palestinian News Agency noted that Israeli forces restricted entry to the mosque, requiring extensive identification checks and detaining several young men, which prevented some from joining the prayer.
READ MORE: Bauchi State Appoints New Magistrates and Promotes Upper Sharia Court Judges
Every Friday, strict measures by Israeli authorities limit access to Al-Aqsa, particularly affecting worshipers from the West Bank, who are required to have special permits to cross checkpoints surrounding Jerusalem. Despite these restrictions, thousands continue to make the journey each week to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, underscoring the site’s profound importance for Palestinians and Muslims worldwide.
