Approximately 50,000 Palestinian worshippers defied Israeli constraints on Thursday to perform Tarawih prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. Tarawih prayers hold special significance during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, drawing devout followers to the sacred site.
The Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem confirmed the substantial turnout, with nearly 50,000 worshippers converging at Al-Aqsa Mosque ahead of the second Friday of Ramadan. However, access to the mosque was hindered as Israeli forces closed Al-Wad Street in Jerusalem's Old City, heightening tensions in the area.
Israeli restrictions on Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa Mosque come amid escalating tensions across the occupied West Bank, spurred by the Israeli army's relentless offensive on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7th. The conflict has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with nearly 32,000 casualties.
Al-Aqsa Mosque holds profound significance as the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. However, Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, claiming historical ties to two ancient Jewish temples. The complex geopolitical and religious dynamics surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque have long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Since Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and subsequent annexation of the entire city in 1980, tensions over control of Al-Aqsa Mosque have remained a contentious issue, unrecognized by the international community. Despite ongoing challenges and restrictions, Palestinian worshippers' steadfast presence at Al-Aqsa Mosque underscores their unwavering commitment to religious observance and defiance against oppressive measures.
News ID : 3055