Thousands Pray at Al Aqsa Mosque Amid Tight Israeli Security
Worshippers faced barricades and checkpoints as Israeli forces restricted access to the holy site in Jerusalem.
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM – Despite heavy security measures put in place by Israeli forces, tens of thousands of Palestinians attended Friday prayers today at the Al Aqsa Mosque.
According to local sources, Israeli forces set up iron barricades to block access for worshippers at several key entrances, including the Al Asbat, Al Sahira, and Al Amoud gates.
A large number of troops were also present around the Friday market area. Witnesses reported that soldiers were stopping young men to check their identity cards, adding to the tight restrictions around the holy compound.
These measures are part of a continuing Israeli policy that prevents thousands of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank from entering Jerusalem for prayers. To cross the military checkpoints surrounding the city, they are required to have special permits, which are often difficult to obtain.
