Despite Israeli restrictions nearly 100,000 Palestinians gathered at the compound of the Al Aqsa Mosque to perform Friday prayers at the start of Ramadan.
Israeli authorities had imposed limitations on Palestinian access to the mosque for weekly congregational prayers allowing only around 10,000 worshippers per day to enter with special permits.The measures were introduced amid heightened security concerns during the holy month.
However according to international media reports, tens of thousands of Palestinians managed to reach the mosque compound to offer prayers defying the tight entry controls. Worshippers arrived from different parts of Jerusalem and the occupied territories, with many passing through security checkpoints to access the site.
While the turnout of approximately 100,000 was significant given the restrictions it remains considerably lower than in previous years. In normal circumstances hundreds of thousands and sometimes over a million worshippers attend Friday prayers at Al Aqsa during Ramadan.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding access to one of Islam’s holiest sites. The developments come amid broader regional sensitivities with authorities maintaining heightened security measures throughout Jerusalem during the sacred month.
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