At least 45,000 Palestinian Muslim worshippers performed Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem despite Israeli restrictions, according to the Islamic Endowments Department.

Zionist occupation forces reportedly attacked a group of young men near the mosque's gates and prevented them from entering. A journalist covering the incident was also beaten by Israeli police.

Heavy Israeli police presence was reported throughout the Old City, with officers stationed at entrances, surrounding areas, and alleys leading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Israeli authorities also reportedly blocked roads leading to the Old City and restricted movement for Palestinian citizens.

These restrictions come after thousands of Jerusalemites attended the Fajr prayer earlier on Friday at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in defiance of Israeli security measures. A group of activists had called for a large-scale Fajr prayer gathering and a continued presence at the mosque to protest the ongoing siege. (ILKHA)