Amman, May 15 (Petra)-- Around 75,000 worshipers performed Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif in occupied Jerusalem, according to Palestinian sources.

The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), citing the Jerusalem Governorate, said tens of thousands of worshipers began arriving at the mosque compound early in the morning, while Israeli occupation forces imposed strict security measures in the surrounding area.

The report added that dozens of Israeli settlers stormed the areas near Bab Al-Asbat (Lions’ Gate) and Bab Al-Malik Faisal, one of the gates leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque.

According to the governorate, Israeli forces deployed heavily around the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem’s Old City, closing Bab Al-Asbat to worshipers arriving for prayers. Bab Al-Malik Faisal was also closed, with entry through the gate prohibited.

Settlers reportedly assaulted Palestinian residents in Al-Wad Street leading to the mosque shortly before Friday prayers.

The Jerusalem Governorate said the measures were part of ongoing restrictions targeting worshipers and hindering access to Al-Aqsa Mosque amid repeated settler incursions into surrounding areas.

//Petra//MF