Jerusalem: Over 80,000 worshippers gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied city of Jerusalem on Monday evening to perform Salat Al-Isha and Tarawih prayers. The event was significant as it took place during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Ministry of Waqf Affairs reported the large turnout, noting that the majority of the worshippers were residents of Jerusalem and individuals from the 1948 occupied Territories (Israel). The gathering highlighted the continued religious significance of the mosque for many Palestinians and Muslims from the region.
In a related development, Israeli occupation forces detained three worshippers from the mosque's courtyards. The detentions occurred amid heightened tensions and security measures in the area.
Earlier in the day, over 500 Israeli colonists entered the mosque compound under the protection of Israeli forces. This incursion coincided with increased access restrictions for Palestinians from the West Bank, preventing thousands from reaching the holy site.
