JERUSALEM, March 28, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces have continued to impose strict restrictions on Palestinian worshippers commuting from the West Bank to Jerusalem to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque on the fourth and final Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.

Since early Friday morning, hundreds of elderly Palestinians gathered at multiple Israeli checkpoints around occupied Jerusalem in an attempt to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque to perform the last Friday prayer of Ramadan there.

At these checkpoints, Israeli forces conducted identity checks, denying entry to men under the age of 55 and women under the age of 50, unless they had special permits.

Eyewitnesses told WAFA that Israeli forces sent back dozens of elderly Palestinians at the Qalandia and Bethlehem checkpoints who were on their way to Al-Aqsa, claiming that they lacked the necessary permits to enter Jerusalem.

Furthermore, Israeli forces enforced strict measures at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque, where they conducted thorough identity checks on young people entering the Old City and the mosque compound. Several individuals were prevented from entering due to these restrictions.

M.N