5,000 Palestinians perform Friday prayer in Al-Aqsa amid Israeli restrictions

Minor skirmishes reported between Palestinians, Israeli forces who prevented them from entering to mosque

By Abdelraouf Arna'out

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israeli authorities on Friday restricted the entry of Palestinians into Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, allowing only around 5,000 Palestinians to perform the Friday prayer in the mosque.

An official from the Waqf Department in Jerusalem informed Anadolu that these restrictions have been in place for the third consecutive Friday, leading to the yards of Al-Aqsa Mosque appearing empty of worshippers.

The Israeli police permitted only elderly Palestinians holding Jerusalem IDs to enter the mosque.

Barricades were also erected across occupied East Jerusalem, particularly in its Old City and the areas around the gates leading to the mosque. "The Israeli police turned Jerusalem into a military barracks," an eyewitness told Anadolu.

Minor skirmishes were reported between Palestinians and Israeli forces who prevented them from entering the mosque.

The entry restrictions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex are connected to the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Gaza since Oct. 7.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar

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