Muslim Worshipers Access to Al-Aqsa Mosque Restricted by Israeli Occupation
According to the Islamic Waqf Department, the Jordanian body that oversees the holy site, only 15,000 worshippers were allowed to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East al-Quds for the Friday prayer, Palestinian WAFA news agency reported.
The occupation regime imposed tight restrictions on the entry of Palestinians to the mosque, which is the third holiest site in Islam.
The Waqf said that Israel set up checkpoints around the Old City of al-Quds and prevented thousands of worshippers from reaching the mosque. Many of them had to pray outside the compound after being turned away by Israeli forces.
The restrictions have been in place since October 7, when Hamas launched a series of rocket attacks on Israel, which retaliated with a devastating air and ground assault on the Gaza Strip. The conflict has killed more than 24,600 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and injured tens of thousands more.
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The Israeli regime also cracked down on journalists covering the situation in al-Quds and used a skunk water cannon to disperse worshippers in the nearby Wadi al-Joz neighborhood.
The Israeli measures have sparked anger and frustration among Palestinians, who see Al-Aqsa Mosque as a symbol of their religious and national identity.
Source: Agencies
