Thousands of Palestinian worshipers attend Friday prayer at al-Aqsa Mosque

Since the early morning hours, worshipers from Occupied Jerusalem and cities within the Green Line had been heading to al-Aqsa Mosque despite preventive measures by Israeli forces.

The Israeli occupation authorities prevented hundreds of West Bankers from reaching the Mosque to perform the prayers and the mass attendance of worshipers comes amid tight Israeli security measures.

The heavy presence of Israeli police was seen at the entrances, surroundings and alleys of the Old City in Jerusalem.

During the Friday sermon, al-Aqsa preacher Sheikh Mohammed Sarandah hailed the large Palestinian presence at the weekly ceremony and also hailed the Palestinian resistance fighters for sacrificing their lives in defense of the Palestinian cause and al-Aqsa Mosque.

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.

In recent days, the Israeli occupation has accelerated attempts to Judaize and control the al-Aqsa Mosque, taking advantage of the Jewish religious festivals.

Scores of settlers were allowed to storm the holy compound and perform religious rituals at the holy site, while Palestinians' access was restricted.