Israeli forces block worshippers from Al-Aqsa Mosque for second Friday in a row

Israeli forces once again closed all gates leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday, preventing worshippers from attending prayers for the second consecutive week, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.

Israeli security forces stationed themselves at every entrance to the mosque, including Bab al-Hatta and Bab al-Silsila, allowing only a limited number of people to pass under what they claimed was a quota-based entry policy.

Worshippers were also stopped at Bab al-Sahira, with their access to the Old City and Al-Aqsa blocked ahead of Friday prayers.

Since 13 June, Israel has imposed sweeping restrictions on Al-Aqsa, including a full closure for six consecutive days. On Thursday, only 450 people were permitted to enter for noon prayers before Bab al-Hatta was shut again. Waqf staff were granted access under heavy surveillance, while Bab al-Maghariba was opened to allow settlers to enter the mosque compound.

The Jerusalem Governorate condemned what it described as “unprecedented encroachment” on religious freedoms and warned the policy aims to alter the historical and legal status quo of the site.