JERUSALEM, January 24, 2025 (WAFA) - Thousands of worshippers performed Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque under stringent restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities, limiting access to the holy site.

The Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department estimated that approximately 50,000 worshippers attended prayers in the mosque's courtyards.

Local sources informed WAFA that Israeli forces intensified their presence at key gates to the mosque, particularly at Damascus and Lions' Gates. Many worshippers were stopped and subjected to identification checks, with several young men being completely barred from entering the mosque’s courtyards. Consequently, some were compelled to perform Friday prayers in the streets near Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Worshippers from the occupied West Bank faced particularly harsh restrictions, with Israeli authorities denying thousands entry to Jerusalem without special Israeli-issued permits to cross the military checkpoints encircling the city. This policy effectively barred countless Palestinians from practicing their right to worship at one of Islam's holiest sites.

Since the Gaza ceasefire went into effect last Sunday, Israeli authorities have intensified their military measures in the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem, by installing checkpoints and iron gates at the entrances to Palestinian towns and villages.

According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, the number of military checkpoints and iron gates installed by the Israeli occupation in the West Bank has reached 898. This includes 18 iron gates set up since the beginning of 2025 and 146 others installed after October 7, 2023.

T.R.