Israeli occupation police shot and killed a Palestinian near Damascus Gate in occupied Jerusalem early Friday, according to local sources, before imposing heightened security restrictions around the Old City and preventing Palestinians from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque for dawn prayers.

The Palestinian was reportedly shot near Damascus Gate, one of the main entrances to Jerusalem’s Old City and a key access point for Palestinians heading toward Al-Aqsa Mosque.

According to local sources cited by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, Israeli occupation forces opened fire on the Palestinian in the early hours of the morning. The Palestinian sustained critical injuries and died at the scene.

The identity of the victim had not immediately been established.

Israeli occupation police claimed that the Palestinian had attempted to attack one of their officers with a knife. The allegation had not been independently verified.

Following the shooting, Israeli forces significantly increased their presence around Damascus Gate and throughout the Old City. The area was placed under a heavy security cordon, while movement by Palestinians was further restricted.

The measures also prevented Palestinians from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque for the dawn prayer, disrupting access to one of Islam’s holiest sites.

The latest incident comes amid continued tensions and restrictions affecting Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem, particularly around the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

The shooting and subsequent closure of access routes have further intensified concerns over the treatment of Palestinians and restrictions on their freedom of movement and religious access in Jerusalem. (ILKHA)