Over 60,000 Worshippers Perform Eid Al-Fitr Prayer in Al-Aqsa Mosque Amid Israeli Security Restrictions, WAFA Reports
(Arab World Press) - More than 60,000 worshippers performed Eid al-Fitr prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem amid heavy Israeli security restrictions, the Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported on Wednesday.
The agency added that the early hours of the morning witnessed an influx of Palestinians to the Old City in Jerusalem to take part in the prayer, which comes more than six months after the outbreak of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.
Ahmed Haddad, a Jerusalem resident, said, “First, we ask that God accepts the obedience of our brothers in Gaza first, and the people of Jerusalem, and Palestine in general, and God willing, it will bring us health, safety, and peace of mind for our brothers in Gaza. Praise be to God, the turnout is good at al-Aqsa on the first day of Eid and Eid prayer, and thankfully al-Aqsa Mosque is alive with its people and the people of Jerusalem.”
He added, “When we first entered, we noticed many checks on young people at the doors and they were being searched thoroughly. Of course, the rain affected attendance. Many people could not make it, but God willing, the place will fill up with those who are present.”
WAFA quoted the Jerusalem Islamic Endowments Department as saying that some citizens performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer on the streets surrounding al-Aqsa Mosque.
Eyas Mureed, a child who had come to pray at the mosque from Kafr Kanna near Nazareth, said, “Peace be upon you. I am distributing gifts to young children to make them happy on the occasion of Eid. Happy Eid al-Fitr.”