AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Palestinian worshippers arrived long before sunrise and waited excitedly by the Jerusalem Gate for the doors of Al-Aqsa to be opened.
Visitors to one of Islam's most holy sites are expected to exceed 100,000 for what could be the final Friday of Ramadan 2023. There were jubilant scenes for those that first entered the gates as crowds let-off fireworks and pledged to protect Al-Aqsa.
Tens of thousands of worshippers waited at the doors of Al-Aqsa mosque this morning ahead of the dawn prayers, on what could be the last Friday of Ramadan.
Palestinians had called for today to be used as a means of emphasizing the support for Al-Aqsa in a campaign called 'The West Bank is the Shield of Jerusalem.
The occupation forces assaulted those coming to the blessed mosque near Hatta Gate with batons and gas and sound bombs, while the crowd responded with take beers and cheers.
Some 100,000 Muslims are expected to pray the Jumma (Friday) prayers at the Muslim holy site later today.
This comes just hours after three Palestinian female worshippers were detained by occupation forces at Al-Aqsa. One has since been released but the remaining two are being investigated. No details have been given as to why they were arrested.
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