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Tens of thousands return to Al-Aqsa for first Friday prayers after

image sourced from original article at https://www.arabnews.com/node/2639465/middle-east

Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem for the first Friday prayers since the site was closed for 40 days amid the ongoing war with Iran. According to the Jerusalem Islamic Awqaf Department, around 100,000 people attended, filling the courtyards after arriving from early morning.

Israeli security forces were heavily deployed throughout occupied Jerusalem, especially around the Old City. Iron barriers were installed at key entrances, and officers reportedly stopped and checked identification documents, detaining some individuals. Palestinian sources said certain worshippers previously barred from the المسجد were also prevented from praying in nearby areas.

In Jordan, a march held after Friday prayers expressed support for the Hashemite custodianship of Jerusalem's holy sites. Demonstrators stressed the historic and religious importance of protecting the city and voiced opposition to measures they said threaten Palestinian identity and the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque, while reaffirming support for King Abdullah the Second's stance on custodianship.

Original article source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2639465/middle-east
Source Id: 2026-04-1137182741

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