Tens of thousands of Palestinians flocked to Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem Friday morning to perform Eid al-Adha prayers despite facing stringent Israeli security measures and an emotionally charged atmosphere due to Gaza conflict. Its dailysabah.com/tr+3 for more details
According to Al-Quds Islamic Endowments Authority estimates, approximately 80,000 worshipers attended Eid prayers at Islam’s third holiest site of Al-Aqsa compound and the Old City before, during, and after Eid prayers in Jerusalem. Israeli police forces were heavily deployed throughout this time period; Palestinians from occupied West Bank couldn’t make the trip due to Israeli restrictions on movement and therefore some worshipers from that area were denied entrance into mosque. Clarionindia.net +2 + aa.com.tr +2
Jerusalem was in mourning over Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian civilian deaths (mostly women and children) as of October 7, 2023; approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents have also been uprooted due to displacement.
In light of such developments, tension was palpable around Jerusalem today as Israeli officials announced plans for more offensive operations against Hamas militants in Syria as early as 2019. aa.com.tr reported today
In Gaza, devastation has severely compromised Palestinians’ ability to celebrate Eid al-Adha traditions. With many mosques and homes destroyed, prayers were conducted outdoors amid rubble while food scarcity has intensified and left families struggling to prepare traditional meals – according to United Nations estimates, nearly 500,000 Palestinians experience acute food insecurity while nearly the entire population experiences acute shortages.
Palestinians in Jerusalem and throughout the occupied territories demonstrated resilience and faith by attending Eid prayers and continuing cultural traditions despite hardship. Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a central symbol of national identity and resistance for Palestinians; their attendance at Eid prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque underscored their determination to preserve religious traditions despite obstacles they were facing.
The international community remains deeply alarmed over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and restrictions to religious freedoms in Jerusalem. Amid this ongoing conflict, various organizations and governments have renewed calls for a ceasefire and protection for civilians; but their resilience as people fight on is evident through their commitment to upholding cultural and religious heritages of their peoples.