٠٠:٠٢:١٤Around 180,000 of Muslims, including Arab Israelis and Palestinians, attended the first Friday prayer of Ramadan, Islam's holiest month, at the Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The crowds of worshippers were seen making their way to the mosque, entering Jerusalem through the Qalandia military checkpoint.
"Unfortunately, the procedures are difficult and take time. In contrast to what was published in the media that the procedures are easy. Personal inspection takes ages, identity checking and even car [checks], take about an hour and it gathers people and presses them," said Palestinian citizen, Adel Al Salymeh.
Another Palestinian citizen, Farida Idris, who arrived for the prayer, said that it took her more than three hours to reach the place, instead of an alleged one hour and 15 minutes.
According to media, access to the area is eased during the holy month, which began on Monday. Women, children under the age of 12 and men over 40 are allowed to enter the city on Ramadan Fridays, as media reports citing the Israeli army.
The Al-Aqsa mosque is considered to be the third holiest site in Islam.
East Jerusalem: Thousands of Muslims pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque on first Friday of Ramadan
Around 180,000 of Muslims, including Arab Israelis and Palestinians, attended the first Friday prayer of Ramadan, Islam's holiest month, at the Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The crowds of worshippers were seen making their way to the mosque, entering Jerusalem through the Qalandia military checkpoint.
"Unfortunately, the procedures are difficult and take time. In contrast to what was published in the media that the procedures are easy. Personal inspection takes ages, identity checking and even car [checks], take about an hour and it gathers people and presses them," said Palestinian citizen, Adel Al Salymeh.
Another Palestinian citizen, Farida Idris, who arrived for the prayer, said that it took her more than three hours to reach the place, instead of an alleged one hour and 15 minutes.
According to media, access to the area is eased during the holy month, which began on Monday. Women, children under the age of 12 and men over 40 are allowed to enter the city on Ramadan Fridays, as media reports citing the Israeli army.
The Al-Aqsa mosque is considered to be the third holiest site in Islam.
Around 180,000 of Muslims, including Arab Israelis and Palestinians, attended the first Friday prayer of Ramadan, Islam's holiest month, at the Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The crowds of worshippers were seen making their way to the mosque, entering Jerusalem through the Qalandia military checkpoint.
"Unfortunately, the procedures are difficult and take time. In contrast to what was published in the media that the procedures are easy. Personal inspection takes ages, identity checking and even car [checks], take about an hour and it gathers people and presses them," said Palestinian citizen, Adel Al Salymeh.
Another Palestinian citizen, Farida Idris, who arrived for the prayer, said that it took her more than three hours to reach the place, instead of an alleged one hour and 15 minutes.
According to media, access to the area is eased during the holy month, which began on Monday. Women, children under the age of 12 and men over 40 are allowed to enter the city on Ramadan Fridays, as media reports citing the Israeli army.
The Al-Aqsa mosque is considered to be the third holiest site in Islam.