Israeli forces attack Muslim worshippers at al-Aqsa during first night of Ramadan

Israeli forces beat and prevented Muslim worshippers from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on the first night of the holy month of Ramadan. 

In video footage shared online, armed Israeli police officers are seen hitting Palestinians in the streets of the Old City, while they were walking towards the holy site to attend taraweeh prayers.

The special prayers take place every night of the holy month of Ramadan, and typically attract tens of thousands of Muslims who pray in congregation. 

According to local media, Israeli soldiers set up multiple checkpoints around the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem, blocking roads and obstructing people from reaching the site.

Eyewitnesses said that Israeli police only allowed some men and women over the age of 40 to enter the site.

Read more: Israeli forces attack Muslim worshippers at al-Aqsa during first night of Ramadan