Thousands pray at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque amid major Israeli restrictions

Nearly 90,000 Muslim worshippers gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, according to the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, as reported by Wafa news agency.

Israeli forces were heavily deployed at military checkpoints leading to the mosque, preventing many West Bank worshippers from entering and conducting extensive ID checks.

Thousands of Israeli police officers were stationed in the Old City around Al-Aqsa Mosque and at its gates, restricting access.

Eyewitnesses said that many worshippers were turned away at Jerusalem’s checkpoints for not having the required permits.

Israel imposed strict entry restrictions for West Bank worshippers, allowing only Muslim men over 55, women over 50, and children under 12 to attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.