Thousands of citizens performed Friday prayers at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, in light of the strict military measures imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities on access to the mosque. The Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem estimated that about 50,000 worshipers performed Friday prayers in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The occupation forces obstructed the worshipers from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque to perform prayers through Bab Al-Asbat, checked their IDs, and arrested a number of them. The occupation forces continue to impose strict restrictions on the entry of worshipers into Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially on Fridays, and prevent many citizens from performing prayers. The occupation authorities prevent thousands of citizens from the West Bank governorates from reaching Jerusalem to perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, as they require special permits to cross their military checkpoints surrounding the holy city. Since the beginning of the comprehensive Israeli aggression against our people in t he Gaza Strip and the West Bank, last October, the occupation forces have tightened their measures at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the entrances to the Old City. Source: Maan News Agency