AhlulBayt News Agency: Despite heavy Israeli restrictions at the gates and surrounding areas, around 100,000 worshippers managed to perform the Isha and Taraweeh prayers at the Aqsa Mosque on Friday evening in Occupied Jerusalem.
The Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem said that tens of thousands were still able to reach the Mosque, even though Israeli forces imposed severe limitations, blocking many Palestinians—especially those from the West Bank—from entering the city.
From early afternoon, Israeli forces prevented thousands from accessing Aqsa, turning worshippers back at Qalandia checkpoint north of Jerusalem and at Checkpoint 300 between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
These measures came alongside an intensified Israeli military deployment across the city, particularly around the Old City and the Mosque’s gates, in what appeared to be an effort to reduce attendance during Ramadan.
In recent days, Israeli authorities have also issued more than 300 expulsion orders banning Jerusalem residents from entering Aqsa throughout the holy month.
Earlier on Friday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Aqsa compound under heavy police protection, marking the first Friday of Ramadan, while calling for even stricter measures.
Israeli forces continue to impose harsh restrictions on Palestinians from both Jerusalem and the West Bank seeking access to Aqsa, while also issuing bans against dozens of activists.
Meanwhile, Hamas urged Palestinians to increase their presence at Aqsa during Ramadan, calling on them to defend the Mosque against Israeli policies and settler activities and to reaffirm their religious and historical rights.
Local Palestinian groups in Jerusalem have also called for intensified visits to Aqsa throughout Ramadan in response to escalating attempts to isolate the Mosque from its Palestinian surroundings.
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