DaysofPal – Tens of thousands of Palestinian worshippers gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque on the first night of Ramadan to perform the Isha and Taraweeh prayers, despite Israeli-imposed restrictions on access to the holy site.
According to the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem, approximately 70,000 worshippers attended the prayers on Saturday evening, marking the beginning of the sacred month.
However, Israeli occupation forces imposed several restrictions to limit Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa. In conjunction with the prayers, Israeli forces closed the Jaba checkpoint north of Jerusalem, preventing many Palestinians from reaching the mosque.
Additionally, they issued fines on vehicles near “Bab Al-Amoud” Gate and obstructed residents of the Silwan neighborhood from entering Al-Aqsa via the Al-Maghariba Gate route.
Ahead of Ramadan, Israeli occupation announced heightened “security measures” in Jerusalem, deploying over 2,000 officers across the city, including at entry points and key intersections.
Read more: Israel Plans New Restrictions on Al-Aqsa Mosque Ahead of Ramadan
Israeli media reported that these measures include capping the number of worshippers allowed inside Al-Aqsa, permitting only 10,000 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank to attend Friday prayers, and banning recently released Palestinian prisoners from entering the mosque.
Furthermore, age restrictions have been imposed on worshippers from the West Bank, allowing only men over 55 and women over 50 to enter.
Despite the restrictions, thousands managed to reach the mosque, reaffirming their commitment to worship at one of Islam’s holiest sites.
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