JERUSALEM / PNN / 

About 100,000 worshippers performed the second Friday prayer of Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound despite tightened Israeli security measures and access restrictions, according to Jerusalem officials.

The Jerusalem Governorate said Israeli forces prevented thousands of Palestinians from reaching the site, turning many back at the Qalandiya checkpoint north of the city and at Checkpoint 300 between Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

Israeli authorities have reinforced security across Jerusalem and at the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound in recent days. Local officials said more than 300 Jerusalem residents have been issued temporary bans from entering the mosque during the holy month.

Earlier Friday, Israeli forces increased their presence at the Qalandiya and Bethlehem checkpoints leading into Jerusalem, conducting identity checks and restricting entry. According to local sources, men under 55 and women under 50 were denied access unless they held special permits.

Despite the restrictions, thousands began arriving early in the morning, particularly through the Qalandiya checkpoint, where Israeli forces intensified inspections.

Israeli police also imposed additional checks at the entrances to Jerusalem’s Old City and at the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound, examining identification cards and barring some young men from entering.

Occupation Authorities further tightened measures around the city by deploying additional checkpoints and limiting entry in what officials described as efforts to manage crowd size during Ramadan.