Friday prayers of 1.5 lakh worshipers in Al-Aqsa GETX24
The Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem has been the scene of clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in recent days. Clashes also broke out at Al-Aqsa Square on Friday morning. In the midst of such excitement, one and a half lakh worshipers have performed Jumu'ah prayers there. Al Jazeera quoted the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem as saying.
At least 31 Palestinians, including three journalists, were wounded in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday morning. The Israeli police claimed that the operation was carried out in response to stone-throwing by Palestinians.
Later, during the Friday prayers, tear shells were fired at worshipers stationed near the Dome of the Rock in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Tensions have risen this year as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coincides with the Jewish 'Passover Festival'. On April 15, the first day of the passover, 157 Palestinians were injured in an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. 400 Palestinians were arrested.
During the passover last week, the Settler Jews clashed with the Palestinians almost every day in the Settler Jews' al-Aqsa Square. Many were injured. Many were arrested.
In reality, the Palestinians say their presence in al-Aqsa is urgent, despite fears of conflict. Rana Mohammed said, "It is important for the people to come to Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa. It will make you feel close, you will feel responsible for Jerusalem. To let our children know that this is our land, Al-Aqsa is part of our religion. "
Palestinians living in Jerusalem and holding Israeli passports can visit Al-Aqsa at any time. But Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have a rare opportunity to visit al-Aqsa during Ramadan. To enter Jerusalem without the month of Ramadan, one has to obtain a rare military permit from the Israeli authorities.
Rana Mohammad said, ‘We cannot come at normal times. So for this time you have to wait for the moment. The feeling of coming here is not like expressing in words. When you come here, you will feel that your faith is being revived. '
Attacks by Palestinians have increased inside Israel. In the last three weeks, 14 Israelis have been killed. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have killed 43 Palestinians since the beginning of the year.