Tens of thousands of worshippers performed Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, despite the obstacles imposed by the Israeli occupation forces.

Israeli soldiers stormed the Dome of the Rock courtyard during the Friday sermon and obstructed the access of Muslim worshippers to Al-Aqsa Mosque and Christian worshippers to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Meanwhile, those who were banned from entering Al-Aqsa prayed on Mujahideen Road after being forcibly removed by the occupation.

During the sermon, Al-Aqsa preacher, Sheikh Khaled Abu Jumaa, reminded Muslims of their responsibility to protect the mosque, affirming that it is religiously impermissible to relinquish Al-Aqsa. He stressed that defending it is a duty upon the entire Muslim nation.

He renewed his call for people in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the occupied Palestinian interior to mobilize, remain steadfast, and be present in large numbers at Al-Aqsa’s courtyards to thwart settler plans.