Israel bans thousands of Palestinian from Al-Aqsa for first Ramadan prayers

Israeli authorities barred thousands of Palestinian worshippers from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem for the first Friday prayer of Ramadan. Despite some holding previously issued permits, many were turned back at checkpoints. Israel capped the number of worshippers from the West Bank at 10,000, with entry restricted to those over 50 or under 12 who had prior approval. A Palestinian Authority official stated these restrictions were deliberately imposed to limit the number of people attending prayers.