Dozens of Palestinians blocked from entering Al-Aqsa complex for Friday prayers

Israeli forces have blocked dozens of Palestinians from entering Jerusalem to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, despite them having the necessary permits, Anadolu Agency reported.

Ibrahim Awad, from Yamon in the occupied West Bank, said: “I reached the [Qalandiya checkpoint, north of Jerusalem] and after they checked my ID I was denied entry for no reason.

“After I left, I received a text message on my phone stating that I was banned from entering Jerusalem due to ‘incitement’ on social media,” Awad said.

On 6 March, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved tighter restrictions for Palestinians' access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Fridays during Ramadan.

Under the new restrictions, only men over 55, women over 50, and children under 12 will be allowed to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque. This decision comes amid daily incursions by hundreds of Israeli settlers into the compound.

Palestinians queue at an Israeli checkpoint in Qalandiya, as they make their way to Al-Aqsa complex in Jerusalem's Old City, to attend the Friday prayers. (Reuters) — Palestinians queue at an Israeli checkpoint near Qalandiya, as they make their way to Al-Aqsa complex in Jerusalem's Old City, to attend the Friday prayers (Reuters)