Amid Israeli restrictions, 100,000 worshippers perform Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa

Jerusalem (ANTARA) — Approximately 100,000 worshippers performed Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied Jerusalem despite strict restrictions imposed by Israel, according to local authorities.

The authorities stated that Israeli occupation forces prevented thousands of worshippers from approaching the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Many were forced to turn back or were not permitted to cross the Qalandia and Checkpoint 300 checkpoints, located respectively to the north and south of the city.

Israeli military recently reinforced its forces throughout Jerusalem and at the gates of the Al-Aqsa Mosque to restrict access to the site.

Israel has also issued orders prohibiting more than 300 Palestinian residents of Jerusalem from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.