60,000 Palestinians perform Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Al-Quds-based sources said tens of thousands of worshippers managed to reach the Mosque, even as Israeli occupation police forces closed several major streets leading to the holy site, creating severe delays and obstructing access to its gates.

From the early morning hours, police forces expanded their security measures across the Old City, deploying heavily around Al-Aqsa and erecting both fixed and mobile checkpoints at Bab al-Asbat and several other entrances. These measures significantly restricted movement and increased the hardship for Palestinians trying to reach the Mosque for prayers.

Witnesses reported that Zionist troops stopped groups of young men at Bab al-Sahira and barred them from entering Al-Aqsa, part of Zionist regime’s ongoing policy of tightening access to worshippers, particularly on Fridays.

Eyewitnesses also noted that Zionist regime’s forces closed central routes near the Friday market, causing overcrowding and large gatherings of worshippers stuck in the streets.

These restrictions came as Palestinian activists urged mass attendance and steadfast presence inside Al-Aqsa to counter Israeli attempts, along with settler groups, to impose further limitations or alter the religious status quo at the holy site.

Despite the obstacles, thousands ultimately reached the Mosque’s courtyards and performed Friday prayer, underscoring Palestinians’ unwavering commitment to their religious and national rights in Al-Aqsa Mosque.