140,000 Worshippers Gather At Al-Aqsa For Eid Prayers Despite Israeli Restrictions

According to the Islamic Waqf administration in Jerusalem, around 140,000 worshippers attended Eid prayers at the mosque compound early Tuesday, making it one of the largest gatherings at the holy site in recent months.

Large numbers of Palestinians traveled from different parts of East Jerusalem and nearby Palestinian cities to attend the prayers. Heavy traffic congestion and long vehicle lines were reported on roads leading to Jerusalem's Old City.

Israeli police deployed heavily around the mosque compound, tightened security at entrances, and checked identification documents of worshippers entering the site. Reports said several individuals were denied access to the mosque.

Thousands of worshippers gathered in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa before sunrise, reciting verses from the Quran and chanting religious prayers ahead of the Eid sermon.

The Eid prayer was led by Mohammad Hussein, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, who delivered a sermon focused on unity, patience, and the importance of protecting Islamic holy sites.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered the third-holiest site in Islam and remains a central point of political and religious tensions between Palestinians and Israel.

Restrictions around the mosque have intensified during periods of conflict in Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, with Palestinians frequently accusing Israeli authorities of limiting access to worshippers at the site.

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