Approximately 75,000 Palestinian worshipers gathered to perform the last Friday prayer of Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.

The Islamic Endowment Authority confirmed the number of worshipers, highlighting the significance of this congregational prayer during the holy month. However, Palestinian worshipers faced severe restrictions and obstacles in their efforts to reach the mosque. Despite the stormy weather, they were subjected to long delays at the Israeli Qalandiya checkpoint, which separates the occupied West Bank from Jerusalem.

Israeli authorities imposed stringent security measures, requiring worshipers to obtain prior security clearances and undergo thorough security checks at designated checkpoints. Additionally, the Israeli occupation forces placed severe restrictions on access to Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly on the last Friday of Ramadan. Hundreds of Palestinians were reportedly denied entry at the Qalandiya military checkpoint.

Despite the challenges, tens of thousands of Palestinians successfully reached Al-Aqsa Mosque, demonstrating their steadfast commitment to their religious rights and their determination to protect Islamic sanctities. The overwhelming turnout underscored the importance of religious freedom, even in the face of the occupation’s aggressive measures.

In the lead-up to the final days of Ramadan, calls from various Palestinian groups continued to urge Muslims to observe i’tikaf, a religious retreat at Al-Aqsa, to help safeguard the mosque from any potential threats of encroachment or attempts at Judaization by Israeli authorities and settler groups.

Organizers of the i’tikaf calls emphasized the significance of maintaining a strong presence at the mosque to counter the escalating Israeli threats against Islamic holy sites. The continued efforts to defend Al-Aqsa are seen as critical in the face of the ongoing occupation and efforts to alter the character of the sacred Islamic site. (ILKHA)