Occupied Jerusalem, September 18 (QNA) - Tens of thousands of Palestinians performed Friday prayer today at Al-Aqsa Mosque, despite the Israeli occupation forces imposing a blockade on the vicinity of the Old City and the mosque, just a day before the so-called Jewish "Day of Atonement".

The Islamic Endowment Department in Jerusalem reported that tens of thousands performed Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque, even though occupation forces had imposed a tight siege around the Old City and the mosque. They prevented dozens of young men from reaching the site-including individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs-blocking them from passing through the city's Al-Asbat Gate.

The Department noted that occupation forces severely beat a young man and knocked him to the ground in Al-Ghazali Square near Al-Asbat Gate before he could enter Al-Aqsa Mosque, while another individual was arrested from within the mosque's courtyards.

It further stated that occupation forces deployed extensive iron barriers around the Old City and the mosque, stopped worshippers to identify them, and prevented others from reaching the mosque.

Occupation authorities deny thousands of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank access to Jerusalem to pray at Al-Aqsa, requiring them to obtain special permits to cross the military checkpoints surrounding the Holy City. (QNA)