Shafaqna Pakistan: Around 75,000 Palestinians offered Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque amid heightened Israeli military restrictions in occupied Jerusalem.
According to the Jerusalem Governorate, tens of thousands of worshippers began arriving at the mosque from the early morning hours, while Israeli police imposed strict security measures around the holy site. The statement also said that dozens of Israeli settlers entered the Bab al-Asbat area and Bab al-Malik Faisal, one of the mosque’s gates.
The governorate further stated that Israeli forces were heavily deployed around the entrances of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City of occupied Jerusalem, with Bab al-Asbat reportedly closed to worshippers arriving for Friday prayers.
Israeli police also closed Bab al-Malik Faisal and prevented people from entering through the gate, according to the statement.
Settlers also assaulted Palestinians in Al-Wad Street, leading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque before Friday prayers.
Israeli authorities continue to prevent thousands of Palestinians from West Bank governorates from reaching Jerusalem to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, requiring special permits to cross the military checkpoints surrounding the holy city.
Sources: Palestinian Information Center , Shafaqna English
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