JERUSALEM, November 14, 2026: Nearly 70,000 Palestinians performed Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on November 13, despite Israeli restrictions and heightened security measures around the holy site.
According to the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department, approximately 70,000 worshippers gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque and its courtyards for the weekly congregational prayers.
The large turnout came despite obstacles imposed by Israeli authorities, particularly around Jerusalem’s Old City, where security forces were deployed to restrict access to the mosque.
Palestinian media reports said Israeli security forces increased their deployment around the Old City and the entrances to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Worshippers faced restrictions while attempting to reach the mosque, with security measures affecting access to the holy compound. Despite these restrictions, thousands of Palestinians made their way to the mosque to attend Friday prayers.
According to the reports, Israeli authorities have continued preventing Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque for the third consecutive year.
The restrictions have limited access to one of Islam’s holiest sites for Palestinians living outside Jerusalem.
The large gathering followed calls from Jerusalem residents urging Palestinians to increase their attendance at Al-Aqsa Mosque and maintain a continuous presence at the religious site.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in Jerusalem’s Old City, is Islam’s third-holiest site and holds deep religious and historical significance for Muslims worldwide.
The latest gathering highlights the continued importance of access to the holy compound amid ongoing restrictions.