Tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque and its courtyards in Occupied Jerusalem to perform Friday prayers despite strict Israeli restrictions on access to the holy site.
According to local sources in Jerusalem, Israeli police increased their deployment around Al-Aqsa Mosque and the gates of the Old City. Security forces stopped worshippers and checked their identity documents.
Palestinians, particularly young men, were also subjected to searches and additional security checks, making it difficult for many to reach the mosque and attend prayers.
On Thursday, religious and community groups based in Jerusalem called on Palestinians living in Jerusalem and Palestinian communities inside Israel to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque in large numbers.
They urged worshippers to attend Friday prayers and maintain a continuous presence in the mosque’s courtyards.
The appeal came amid increasing Israeli restrictions and concerns over reported attempts to introduce new arrangements at the holy site.