Tens of thousands of Palestinians attended the communal Friday prayer held in al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied Jerusalem despite Israeli restrictions.

50,000 worshipers performed the Friday prayer in the holy site despite the Israeli restrictions imposed at the gates and entrances of the Old City, Jerusalemite sources reported.
 
The Israeli police forces set up dozens of roadblocks, conducted extensive searches and checks on Palestinians and their ID cards, and prevented many of them from reaching the holy mosque.
 
Earlier in the morning, thousands performed dawn prayer at the holy site despite Israeli restrictions.
 
Since the early hours of dawn, thousands of Palestinians gathered at the gates of the al-Aqsa Mosque on their way to attend the dawn prayer, confirming the Palestinians’ spiritual links to the holy site.
 
Similar gatherings were also reported in several West Bank towns amid the participation of families of Palestinian martyrs and prisoners.
 
In recent days, the Israeli occupation has accelerated its attempts to Judaize and control the al-Aqsa Mosque, taking advantage of the Jewish religious festivals.
 
While Palestinians' access is restricted, scores of settlers were allowed to storm the holy compound and perform religious rituals at the holy mosque.