Date Published: Friday, December 13, 2024
Category: International
Occupied Jerusalem – Approximately 50,000 Palestinian worshippers performed Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli military restrictions, according to the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA).
The Islamic Waqf Department in occupied Jerusalem estimated that over 50,000 worshippers gathered in the mosque’s courtyards despite obstacles imposed by Israeli occupation forces.
Restrictions and Challenges
Israeli forces hindered the movement of worshippers trying to access Al-Aqsa, stopping numerous individuals, especially young men, near the Bab al-Asbat and Bab al-Sahira gates, and preventing many from entering the mosque.
Thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank were denied access to occupied Jerusalem for prayers at Al-Aqsa. The Israeli authorities enforce stringent measures requiring special permits to cross the military checkpoints surrounding the city.
Context of Escalating Tensions
These restrictions come amid intensified actions by Israeli forces following a full-scale and deadly offensive launched in October 2023 against the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. Since then, the occupation forces have tightened security measures at the entrances of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the gates of the Old City, exacerbating the daily struggles of Palestinians attempting to reach this holy site.
This continued suppression highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in exercising their right to worship freely in their homeland.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
