NNA - Hundreds of worshipers today were blocked by Israeli occupation forces from reaching the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem to perform the second Friday prayer of the holy month of Ramadan.

Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces significantly increased their military presence around checkpoints in Qalandia, north of Jerusalem, Al-Zaytouna, east of Jerusalem, and Bethlehem to the south. The forces turned back hundreds of worshipers, citing a lack of necessary entry permits.

Simultaneously, the Israeli occupation forces deployed thousands of their police officers in the alleys of the Old City of Jerusalem and the entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, both of which have been under tight siege for nearly six months.

Checkpoints like Qalandia experienced relatively light traffic compared to previous years due to the restrictions imposed by the occupation authorities.--WAFA

==========R.H.