Tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered at the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Friday, boldly performing prayers despite harsh Israeli measures aimed at restricting access, particularly targeting young men.

The Islamic Waqf Department reported that over 70,000 worshipers attended the Friday prayers, dedicating their devotion to the martyrs of Gaza and the West Bank who have sacrificed their lives resisting occupation.

Israeli forces imposed severe restrictions throughout the Old City, checking IDs and deliberately preventing many young Palestinians from reaching the mosque. Checkpoints were established at Asbat Gate, obstructing worshipers from fulfilling their sacred duty.

Despite the occupation’s efforts to intimidate and suppress, Palestinians stood resilient, converging in large numbers at the Aqsa Mosque. The demonstration of faith reflects both a spiritual commitment and a defiance against ongoing Israeli oppression in Jerusalem and across occupied Palestine.

The prayers serve as a stark reminder of the Palestinian people’s unwavering attachment to their holy sites and their steadfast resistance in the face of occupation. (ILKHA)