Despite the heavy presence of Israeli forces and restrictions at checkpoints, large crowds flocked to the mosque’s compound [Getty]
Around 120,000 worshippers gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday morning to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers, according to the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem, amid tight Israeli restrictions and growing calls across the occupied West Bank for solidarity with Gaza.
Despite the heavy presence of Israeli forces and restrictions at checkpoints, large crowds flocked to the mosque’s compound.
Some Palestinians were barred from entering and had to perform prayers outside the mosque’s walls. Among those prevented from entering was prominent Jerusalem activist Mohammed Abu al-Hummus.
Israeli police were deployed in large numbers throughout the compound following dawn prayers.
Eid sermons across West Bank mosques focused heavily on the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, which preachers described as a genocide aimed at wiping out Gazans.
They urged worshippers to stand in solidarity with the besieged territory and to show restraint in celebration out of respect for the tens of thousands killed.
“In these moments, some celebrate Eid while others grieve the loss of children, relatives, and entire families,” said Sheikh Jaafar Hashem during his sermon in Nablus. “Some wear new clothes, while others search for a morsel of food to feed their hungry children.”
Also speaking in Nablus, Sheikh Maher al-Kharraz reminded worshippers to keep Gaza in their hearts “every hour of the day” and support its people in every way possible.
“Gaza’s resistance has lifted the head of the Arab and Islamic nations,” he said. “Today, it stands against conspiracies both near and far.” Al-Kharraz also saluted displaced Palestinians in West Bank refugee camps, particularly in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams.
Palestinian activist Salah Abdullah told The New Arab: “The Palestinian people are united behind their courageous resistance and stand as one with Gaza. We feel we’re not doing enough for our people there, but we draw strength from their resilience and patience.”
Sunday marked the third consecutive Eid amid Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, which has killed over 50,000 Palestinians. It is also the first Eid since mass displacement and home demolitions began in the northern West Bank camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams.
The Israeli military offensive on Tulkarm has continued for 63 days, on Nur Shams for 50 days, and on Jenin for 69 days. The operations have forced tens of thousands to flee, with widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure reported.
Since the beginning of the assault on 21 January, at least 80 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank, alongside hundreds of arrests, injuries, and the demolition of numerous homes.
