JERUSALEM, March 21, 2025 (WAFA) – Thousands of Palestinian Muslim worshipers gathered at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to perform the third Friday prayer of the holy month of Ramadan, despite the harsh Israeli restrictions, heavy rainfall, and extreme cold.

According to the Jordan-run Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem, an estimated 80,000 worshippers participated in the prayer at the mosque. However, Israeli forces imposed strict restrictions on the entry of worshipers from the West Bank into the occupied city of Jerusalem to attend the prayers.

The Israeli military reinforced its presence at key checkpoints, including the Qalandiya checkpoint, located to the north of Jerusalem, and the "300" checkpoint, which separates the cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Israeli forces conducted thorough identity checks and prevented men under the age of 55 and women under the age of 50—unless they had special permits—from entering Jerusalem.

Despite these obstacles, thousands of people began arriving early in the morning, attempting to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque via the checkpoints. The Israeli authorities also imposed stringent restrictions at the gates of the mosque itself, conducting identity checks on young people at the entrances to the Old City and the mosque. A number of worshipers were denied entry to the holy site.

M.N