Occupied Jerusalem, December 13 (QNA) -Thousands of Palestinians gathered for Friday prayers at Al Aqsa Mosque, despite the strict military measures imposed by Israeli authorities to limit access.

The Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem estimated that around 50,000 worshippers attended the prayers at the mosque.

Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli forces hindered access to the mosque, detaining several young men near the Lions’ Gate and the Flower’s Gate, and preventing them from entering.

Since the beginning of Israel’s assault on Gaza and West Bank, including Jerusalem, in October 2023, Israeli forces have been intensifying their security measures at the gates of Al-Aqsa and the entrances to the Old City.