JERUSELUM: Israeli forces imposed tight restrictions on Palestinians from the West Bank seeking to pray at Al Aqsa Mosque for the first Friday of Ramadan.

At Qalandia checkpoint, thousands were screened, with entry denied to men under 55 and women under 50, even if they had special permits.

WAFA reported that dozens of elderly people were also turned back at Qalandia and Bethlehem checkpoints, four paramedics were detained, and media and medical teams were obstructed.

The Jerusalem Governorate said authorities also blocked additional worshippers citing capacity limits, describing the measures as an attempt to undermine the Islamic Waqf’s authority and alter the status quo at Al Aqsa.