Occupied Jerusalem, Feb. 27 (Petra)-- Around 100,000 worshipers performed the second Friday prayer of the holy month of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque, despite strict restrictions and measures imposed by Israeli occupation authorities.

The Islamic Awqaf Department in Jerusalem said in a statement that Israeli forces prevented thousands of worshipers from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque, turning many back at Qalandia checkpoint, north of occupied Jerusalem, and at the "300" checkpoint separating Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Israeli forces have intensified military measures across Jerusalem and its surroundings, imposing tight restrictions at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque in an effort to obstruct worshipers’ access.

The escalation coincides with orders banning more than 300 Jerusalem residents from entering the mosque during the month of Ramadan.

//Petra// MF