Jerusalem – The Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem stated that approximately 75,000 Palestinian worshipers performed the final Friday prayers of Ramadan within the blessed grounds of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Heightened Military Measures

Israeli occupation forces imposed strict military measures around the Old City, setting up checkpoints and intensively checking IDs, particularly targeting young men. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces stationed near Al-Aqsa’s gates turned away hundreds of young worshipers, preventing them from entering the mosque.

Severe Restrictions on Access

Thousands of other Palestinians were barred from reaching Jerusalem due to Israeli-imposed restrictions, including:
✔ Age and gender restrictions—only men over 55 and women meeting certain conditions were permitted.
✔ Mandatory special permits for those allowed entry, subject to rigorous security checks.
✔ Military roadblocks and the apartheid separation wall further isolating the city.

West Bank Movement Blocked

• Palestinians from the northern West Bank attempting to reach Jerusalem via the Qalandiya checkpoint were turned back, including elderly worshipers.

• Only Palestinians from the southern West Bank (Bethlehem area) were allowed through a military checkpoint at the city’s southern entrance.

•