AhlulBayt News Agency: Around 45,000 Palestinians gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem for Friday prayers, marking the first such congregation since Israeli authorities reopened the site after a 12-day closure. The prayer was held under heavy Israeli military restrictions that severely limited access.
Despite numerous obstacles, the Islamic Waqf Department reported a strong turnout. Israeli police blocked worshippers at Al-Amud (Damascus) and Al-Asbat (Lions) gates, conducted identity checks, and arrested several young men and women, including one person from the Dome of the Rock courtyard.
Among those detained was mosque guard Arafat Najib, who was issued a one-week ban from entering Al-Aqsa, with the possibility of extension.
Israeli authorities also issued fines to worshippers’ vehicles, especially those parked in Wadi al-Joz and near Bab al-Asbat Gate.
The large turnout followed calls from Palestinian and Jerusalemite youth groups encouraging mass participation to reaffirm Islamic and Palestinian ties to Al-Aqsa and resist Israeli efforts to alter its status.
Activists described the gathering as a powerful message of unity and resilience in response to Israel’s ongoing restrictions and the recent unprecedented closure of the mosque during the 12-day conflict with Iran.
Despite the reopening, Israel continues to bar thousands of West Bank Palestinians from entering Jerusalem without military-issued permits, limiting access to the holy site.
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