Prayers, Protests, and Clashes in Jerusalem and West Bank Amid Ongoing Gaza War

JERUSALEM/RAMALLAH – Israeli security forces imposed restrictions on young Palestinians attempting to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem for prayers on Friday. They deployed heavily throughout the Old City and surrounding areas to prevent any potential unrest linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli troops reportedly killed four Palestinians during operations, according to the official Palestinian news agency. Two of those killed were identified as members of militant groups.

Large contingents of Israeli police were stationed around Al-Aqsa, a frequent source of tension and conflict, as Palestinians gathered for Friday prayers. At one point, they used tear gas to disperse crowds.

This marked the third consecutive week that Palestinians have faced restrictions on accessing the mosque since the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, followed by the intense Israeli military response against Gaza.

Many worshippers were forced to pray outside the Old City, gathering on the roadside under the watchful eyes of Israeli security forces. Eventually, approximately 5,000 elderly worshippers were permitted entry, whereas the usual number attending prayers is around 50,000.

The mosque is located on a site revered by both Jews and Muslims, known respectively as the Temple Mount and The Noble Sanctuary.

In the West Bank, the Israeli military reported that its troops returned fire during an arrest operation in Jenin, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. One of the deceased was confirmed as a member of the Islamic Jihad group, and Hamas also reported the death of one of its fighters during the clashes.

According to the Palestinian news agency, another two Palestinians were killed — one in Jenin and another in the town of Qalqiya — bringing the total number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the onset of the Hamas-Israel conflict to 110.

In Qalqiya, military forces came under fire while attempting to shut down a store owned by someone accused of inciting violence, responding with gunfire that struck at least one individual.

Protests were also reported in Hebron, West Bank.

In the capital city of Jordan, thousands took to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian people, denouncing Israel and expressing support for the Palestinians. Many waved the Palestinian flag, displaying their unity.

One protester, Mahmoud Aqalan, stated, “We are with the Palestinians and with Gazans. We came to stress that we stand behind the resistance until the end.” Another demonstrator, Hassan Sultan, added, “It is our brothers who are being killed in Gaza. This is the least we could do to make our position known to the world.”