Jerusalem: Tens of thousands of Palestinians performed Friday prayers at Al Aqsa Mosque despite tightened Israeli measures in and around the Old City of Jerusalem.

According to Qatar News Agency, Israeli forces were deployed across the city, setting up barriers at Old City gates and Al Aqsa entrances. They conducted ID checks, detained some youths, and barred others from accessing the mosque. These actions were part of a broader effort to control access to the area amid the large gathering of worshipers.

Israeli authorities continue to enforce restrictions on thousands of West Bank Palestinians, requiring them to obtain special permits to cross military checkpoints surrounding Jerusalem for prayers. This has been a longstanding practice, impacting the ability of many Palestinians to freely access the city for religious observances.

Additionally, occupation municipal crews issued fines to motorcycles parked near Bab Al Sahira. This was described as a punitive measure targeting worshipers, adding another layer of complexity to the already stringent access controls faced by Palestinians seeking to pray at Al Aqsa.