Jerusalem, Israel - March 28, 2025 Palestinians perform last Friday prayers of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa mosque despite Israeli restrictions JERUSALEM, PALESTINE - MARCH 28, 2025: Despite strict Israeli restrictions, thousands of Palestinian worshippers gathered for the last Friday prayers for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, Palestine. For the fourth consecutive Friday since the start of Ramadan, Israeli police were heavily deployed at the entrances of Jerusalem’s Old City, where Al-Aqsa Mosque is located, as well as in the surrounding alleys and courtyards. Israeli authorities continued to impose restrictions on Palestinians' access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem for the fourth consecutive Friday of Ramadan despite many having permits to enter. On March 6, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved stricter restrictions on Palestinian worshippers’ access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Fridays during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Under the new restrictions, only men over the age of 55, women over 50, and children under 12 will be permitted to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, access will be contingent upon obtaining a prior security clearance and undergoing thorough security checks at designated checkpoints. The decision coincides with ongoing daily incursions by hundreds of illegal Israeli settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month alongside increasing restrictions on Palestinians traveling from the West Bank. Since the outbreak of the genocide on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli authorities have imposed strict measures limiting Palestinians’ access from the West Bank to East Jerusalem. Palestinians consider these restrictions as part of Israel’s broader efforts to Judaize East Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and erase its Arab and Islamic identity.