Thousands of Palestinians Pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Last Friday of Ramadan

JERUSALEM, August 26, 2011 (WAFA) – An estimated 250,000 Palestinians held the last Friday of Ramadan prayer at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque amidst tight Israeli restrictions, particularly at checkpoints leading to the occupied city.

Muslim Waqf (trust) officials said the number would have been much higher than this had Israel allowed free access to East Jerusalem for Muslims from all over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Israel allowed only male West Bank residents over 50 and women over 45 free access to Jerusalem, while others had to have an army-issued permit before being allowed to cross the heavily fortified Israeli army lines around the checkpoints surrounding Jerusalem.

While prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque ended without incident, thousands stayed behind to celebrate Lailat Al-Qadr, Islam’s holiest night that marks Prophet Muhammad’s trip from Mecca to Jerusalem and from there to heaven and back.

Nevertheless, trouble occurred at Qalandia checkpoint, between Jerusalem and Ramallah, as Palestinians not allowed through the army lines clashed with soldiers who pushed them back as they tried to force their way into the Jerusalem side of the checkpoint.

Soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, who threw stones at the soldiers, who were dressed in full riot control gear.

Medics said few people were treated for gas inhalation.

Those not allowed to cross into Jerusalem held the Friday prayer at the checkpoint.

WAFA