Hundreds of Palestinians wait at Qalandia checkpoint to attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque amid Israeli clampdown

Hundreds of Palestinians wait at Qalandia checkpoint to attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque amid Israeli clampdown

"Hundreds of Palestinians were seen waiting at Qalandia checkpoint, north of Jerusalem, to cross for Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday, amid strict restrictions and measures imposed by Israeli forces. Footage also show crowds waiting at the checkpoint, alongside shots of Israeli forces and their vehicles deployed in the area. "The measures are strict, and we don’t know why. A man came from Hebron to pray, and he is 58 years old — what could he possibly do?" said Najati Abdul Latif from Hebron. "The permit is granted only once, and if you try to get another one, the system tells you that you have used up your quota for Ramadan with that single permit," added Ali Muhammad Nawas from Nablus. Palestinian media reported that 100,000 people were at the second Friday prayers of Ramadan - but claimed thousands more were turned back at the checkpoint. Meanwhile, the Israeli police announced on their X account that “as worshippers arrive for the second Friday prayer of Ramadan, our officers are on the ground to ensure a safe, organised, and peaceful flow for everyone,” adding that “the environment is safe and calm for the large numbers of attendees coming for Friday prayers.” Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims, during which fasting is observed from dawn until sunset. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. "