Thousands of Palestinians pray in Jerusalem

  • 11 years ago
Crossing from the West Bank, these Palestinian women make the journey to Jerusalem for Friday prayers.

It's the first Friday of Ramadan, and they're joining thousands of others to pray at al-Aqsa mosque.

Al-Aqsa stands on Israeli-controlled land and to access it, Palestinians living in the West Bank have to cross checkpoints manned by Israeli police.

This year, Israeli police said they had authorised men over 40 years of age and women of all ages to come and pray.

Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, was packed with worshippers.

Israeli authorities said more than 80,000 worshippers attended.

Jews call the raised ground at the eastern edge of Jerusalem's Old City the Temple Mount, while Muslims know it as the Noble Sanctuary. Both claim sovereignty over it.