Around 40,000 Palestinian worshipers from Jerusalem and the 1948-occupied areas gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers, despite Israel’s oppressive security measures that sought to restrict access to the sacred site.

Despite the heavy-handed Israeli security measures, which included checkpoints and invasive ID checks, tens of thousands of Palestinians successfully made their way to Al-Aqsa Mosque, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to their faith and the sanctity of the mosque.

Israeli forces provocatively stormed the Dome of the Rock courtyard within the mosque compound during the Friday sermon, escalating tensions and provoking the peaceful worshipers. In addition, several young Palestinian men were violently assaulted by Israeli forces near Bab al-Asbat, preventing them from accessing the mosque.

Many Palestinians who were barred entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque had no choice but to pray in the nearby streets, defying Israeli attempts to deny them access to their religious and cultural heritage.

During the sermon, Sheikh Muhammad Sarand, the preacher at Al-Aqsa Mosque, reminded worshipers that Al-Aqsa is a symbol of Palestinian resilience and steadfastness. He called on the Palestinian people to continue their struggle and defend the mosque from Israeli aggression and occupation.

The ongoing Israeli measures aimed at restricting Palestinian access to their holiest site are a direct attack on Palestinian identity and heritage. Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a central symbol of Palestinian resistance, and the courageous worshipers who gathered this Friday reaffirm their commitment to defending it against Israeli occupation.

The international community must hold Israel accountable for its continued efforts to desecrate and control Palestinian religious sites, and support the Palestinian people in their fight for justice and freedom. (ILKHA)