Jerusalem – In a powerful display of resilience and devotion, more than 120,000 Palestinians converged on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem today to perform Eid prayers, despite extreme Israeli restrictions.
The Israeli authorities had imposed stringent security measures, including checkpoints, roadblocks, and a heavy police presence, in an attempt to limit the number of worshipers accessing the sacred site. However, undeterred by these obstacles, Palestinians from across the occupied territories made their way to the mosque, many arriving before dawn to secure a spot.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, considered the third-holiest site in Islam, has been a focal point of Palestinian-Israeli tensions for decades. The site is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, and its control has been a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Today’s massive turnout was seen as a testament to the Palestinians’ unwavering commitment to their faith and their determination to assert their rights to worship freely.
“This is a message to the Israeli occupation that we will not be deterred by their restrictions and intimidation tactics,” said Ahmed, a worshiper from Hebron. “We will continue to come to Al-Aqsa, no matter what obstacles they put in our way.”
The Eid prayers, which marked the end of Ramadan, were led by the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Mohammed Hussein. In his sermon, he emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity among Palestinians and called for an end to the Israeli occupation.
As the worshipers dispersed after the prayers, many expressed their gratitude and joy at having been able to participate in the sacred ritual.
“Eid is a time of celebration and joy, but it’s also a time of reflection and solidarity,” said Fatima, a worshiper from East Jerusalem. “Today, we came together as one people, united in our faith and our struggle for freedom.”
The massive turnout at Al-Aqsa Mosque today served as a powerful reminder of the Palestinians’ enduring connection to their holy sites and their unwavering commitment to their national aspirations.
