Israeli restrictions on Al-Aqsa Friday prayer attendance declines

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem witnessed a stark contrast in attendance for Friday prayers, as Israeli occupation forces (IOF) continued to enforce restrictions for the 17th consecutive Friday.

Anadolu Agency (AA) reported a significant decline, with only about 13,000 worshippers able to enter the mosque, compared to the usual crowd of over 50,000 before the restrictions were implemented.

The stringent measures imposed by Israeli forces obstructed thousands of worshippers from reaching the mosque, including the esteemed preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Ikrimah Sabri, who was barred from entering through the Lions' Gate, according to the Palestinian Information Center (PIC).

As a result of the restrictions, hundreds of worshippers resorted to performing prayers in the streets near the Old City, congregating around locations like Lions Gate, Ras al-Amud, and the Wadi al-Joz neighbourhood.

These measures have been intensified since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023. Since then, Israeli forces have been implementing heightened restrictions on accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly on Fridays, a sacred day for Muslim worship.

The Israeli army's tactics include installing barriers at the entrances to the Old City and outer gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque, permitting only elderly individuals to pass through, thereby severely limiting the number of worshippers allowed entry.

Beyond the constraints imposed on Al-Aqsa Mosque, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has inflicted immense suffering on Gaza. The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to staggering casualties, with 27,131 deaths and 66,287 injuries reported. The conflict has also resulted in widespread infrastructure destruction and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the region.