jordan pulse -

Around 40,000 worshippers performed Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque under strict Israeli military measures restricting access, according to the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem.

The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli forces obstructed worshippers' entry through Damascus and Lions’ Gates, checking IDs, detaining several young men, and preventing them from entering. Some were forced to pray outside the mosque compound.

Israeli forces continue to tighten restrictions on access to Al-Aqsa, particularly on Fridays. Since the Gaza ceasefire took effect on January 19, Israel has intensified military measures in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, setting up more checkpoints and metal gates that block tens of thousands of Palestinians from reaching the mosque without special permits.

— (Petra)