80,000 Palestinians perform first Friday prayer of Ramadan at Aqsa amid Zionists' restrictions

Local Al-Quds sources reported that the large turnout came amid a heavy Zionist regime's security presence and tightened restrictions at the entrances to the city, especially at the Qalandia checkpoint north of Al-Quds. Zionist regime’s forces installed barriers and concrete blocks, checked IDs, searched worshippers, and turned back dozens despite them holding valid permits.

Zionist regime’s authorities had previously announced that only 10,000 Palestinians from the West Bank would be allowed to attend Friday prayers each week during Ramadan, under restrictive conditions. These include age limits, men over 55 and women over 50, while children under 12 may enter only if accompanied by a first-degree relative.

However, local sources say these figures do not reflect reality on the ground, as Zionist regime’s forces have prevented hundreds from entering without clear justification, even when they meet the stated criteria.

As part of increased surveillance measures, Zionist regime’s authorities have introduced a “magnetic card” system for West Bank Palestinians. The system requires individuals to pass electronic checkpoints, allowing authorities to track their movements from their place of residence to Occupied Al-Quds.

These restrictions are part of a broader escalation of security policies since October 7, 2023, including limiting the number of worshippers, issuing conditional permits based on security clearance, and enforcing heightened digital monitoring.

Dozens of Palestinians were prevented from reaching Occupied Al-Quds, while journalists and medical teams faced restrictions at Qalandia checkpoint. Four paramedics were reportedly detained, and military measures were intensified around the city.

Around 60,000 worshippers performed the Isha and Taraweeh prayers on the second day of Ramadan at Aqsa Mosque, amid restrictions imposed by Zionist regime’s forces.

Zionist regime’s authorities also prevented young men from entering the Mosque through Bab al-Silsila shortly before evening prayers and imposed strict controls on bringing in food, even for families arriving to break their fast with meals they had brought with them.

Palestinian and Al-Quds-based groups have called for increased mobilization and for people to travel to Aqsa Mosque in greater numbers during Ramadan, urging a stronger presence at the site to counter escalating Israeli measures aimed at emptying the Mosque of its worshippers and isolating it from its Palestinian surroundings.