Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem draws thousands of Palestinian worshippers amid Israeli security clampdown

On Friday, thousands of Palestinians gathered at the Al‑Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem for the congregational prayer. Israeli forces have deployed reinforced troops around the compound and the Old City, citing security concerns. The site had been closed after Israel cited attacks on Iran on 28 February and was reopened on 9 April after a 41‑day shutdown, but restrictions on worshippers remain tight.

Sheikh Sabri marked the ninth anniversary of the 2017 Bab al‑Esbat (Lion Gate) resistance, describing Al‑Aqsa as an “indispensable value” for the Palestinian people. He condemned the “increasing violations” by Israeli authorities, stating that “violations do not grant legitimacy to the occupying power,” and called on the wider Muslim community to defend the holy site.