90,000 Palestinians pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque on first Friday of Ramadan amid tight israeli security

Around 90,000 Palestinians gathered for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, defying tight security measures imposed by Israeli forces. 

This is a significant moment, especially after a year of restricted access to the holy site.

Thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank made their way to the mosque despite the ongoing tensions and security measures.

Israeli authorities had allowed men over 55 years old and women over 50 from the occupied West Bank to attend the prayers, following a decision to ease some restrictions for this special occasion.

Tensions have been rising in the West Bank, especially after Israeli forces launched fresh military operations in the area. 

Despite these conditions, Friday’s prayers were peaceful, with no reports of violence or disturbances.

This access to Al-Aqsa Mosque marks the first time in over a year that Palestinians from the West Bank have been allowed entry to the sacred site. 

Following the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel in October 2023, Israeli authorities had blocked Palestinians in the West Bank from entering Jerusalem. 

Last year’s Ramadan was marked by ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, earlier this year, a ceasefire was reached between Hamas and Israel, although the situation remains volatile with ongoing concerns about its long-term stability.

The scene at Al-Aqsa on this significant day highlights the complex dynamics of the region, where both religious devotion and political tensions intersect. 

With the ceasefire still fragile, the path ahead remains uncertain, and many are closely watching to see how events unfold in the coming weeks.