40,000 Worshipers Attend Friday Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque Amid Tight Israeli Military Controls

JERUSALEM: Approximately 40,000 worshipers gathered for Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, despite stringent military controls imposed by Israeli occupation authorities. The Islamic Awqaf Department in Jerusalem reported the figure, highlighting the challenges faced by worshipers in accessing the holy site. According to Jordan News Agency, local sources informed the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) that Israeli occupation forces obstructed worshipers' entry through the Lions' Gate, scrutinized identification documents, and detained several young men. Additionally, occupation police issued fines to numerous vehicles belonging to worshipers near the Old City. Access to Al-Aqsa Mosque has been significantly restricted by Israeli forces since the escalation of conflict in October 2023, marked by an all-out attack on Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank. The restrictions have been particularly stringent on Fridays, impacting the ability of worshipers to attend prayers at one of Islam's holiest site s.