Thousands of Palestinians from all over the West Bank arrived at Israeli army checkpoints such as this one north of Bethlehem hoping to get a chance to cross it to Jerusalem to attend the Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque. (WAFA Images / Ahmad Mizher) 

JERUSALEM/RAMALLAH/BETHLEHEH, June 1, 2018 (WAFA) – Tens of thousands of Palestinians have come from all over the West Bank to Qalandia checkpoint south of Ramallah and Bethlehem’s northern checkpoint in an attempt to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to attend the third Friday of Ramadan prayers at one of Islam’s holiest sites.

Israel eased entry of Palestinians to Jerusalem on Ramadan Fridays only allowing women of all ages and men above 40 years of age or under 12 years to reach the occupied city without a permit.

Palestinians started reaching the two checkpoints to the north and south of the holy city since the early hours of Friday to secure a place at Al-Aqsa Mosque, where over 200,000 people attended the previous Friday prayers.

Israeli police were deployed in large numbers in the city and on roads leading to it, blocking traffic to cars and some roads to people while forcing the worshippers to reach Jerusalem’s Old City through some of its gates.

Entire families, elderly and young people are seen walking the streets of Jerusalem and going through the narrow gates of the Old City Wall to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque, adorned by the golden Dome of the Rock.

Observers estimate that over quarter of a million people are expected to reach the holy mosque to attend the prayer as thousands are still held up by mid-day at Qalandia and Bethlehem checkpoints struggling to cross them due to slow inspection by the Israeli soldiers and hoping to be able to be at Al-Aqsa in time to attend the collective noon prayer.

M.K.