Thousands of West Bank Palestinians were able, for the first time since last October 7, to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque to perform the first Friday prayer of the month of Ramadan. All checkpoints around East Jerusalem have been closed by Israeli security forces to West Bank residents since the outbreak of the war on Gaza on October 7th.
Worshipers coming from the West Bank spoke of strict procedures, difficulties at Israeli checkpoints, and checks on the identities of passers-by. The occupation army announced - last Monday - the imposition of stifling restrictions on the entry of Palestinians into the city of East Jerusalem to perform Friday prayers.