DaysofPal— Around 140,000 worshippers performed Eid al-Adha prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday morning, defying Israeli restrictions and heightened security measures imposed by Israeli occupation forces, according to Islamic authorities in Jerusalem.
The Islamic Waqf Department reported that large crowds gathered in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, filling its courtyards and prayer halls with chants of Eid takbeerat in a display of religious devotion and attachment to the holy site.
Worshippers arrived from Jerusalem and surrounding areas despite tight restrictions, heavy security deployment in the Old City, and reported confrontations with Israeli occupation forces.
The large turnout reflected continued efforts by Palestinians to maintain a presence at the site amid ongoing tensions.
Incidents were reported during the morning, including the arrest of a young woman near one of the mosque’s gates after an altercation with Israeli police, during which her headscarf was reportedly removed.
A journalist, Saif al-Qawasmi, was also detained inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and later issued a one-week ban from the site along with a summons for questioning by Israeli occupation forces.
In addition, an employee of the Islamic Waqf, Firas al-Dibs, was reportedly arrested from inside the compound.
Calls had circulated ahead of the holiday urging Palestinians in Jerusalem and within Israel to travel to Al-Aqsa and participate in Eid prayers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong presence at the site.
These developments come amid growing concerns over the future of the compound, with repeated incursions by Israeli occupation forces and ongoing policies that Palestinians say aim to alter the status quo at the holy site.
Despite the challenges, the large turnout underscored the significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims and highlighted the determination of worshippers to observe religious rituals even under difficult conditions.
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