Jerusalem: Around 80,000 Muslim worshippers performed the first Friday prayer of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque despite tightened Israeli restrictions and measures.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Israeli forces prevented thousands of worshippers from reaching the Al-Aqsa Mosque, turning many back at the Qalandia Checkpoint north of occupied Jerusalem and at Checkpoint 300 south of the city.
Israeli forces have also reinforced their military presence across Jerusalem and at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque in recent days, aiming to restrict access to the site. Occupation authorities have issued more than 300 orders barring Palestinian citizens of Jerusalem from entering Al-Aqsa during the holy month.