Al-Aqsa Mosque
Al-Aqsa MosqueSuliman Qedar, Flash 90

A quarter of a million Muslims prayed on Friday at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The large turnout was a result of the month-long holiday of Ramadan.

According to Palestinian-Arab media, Israeli authorities only allow Muslims aged 40 and over and Gaza residents must be aged over 55 to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque. They also said these restrictions would continue for the entire month of Ramadan.

During his sermon, Al-Aqsa preacher Sheikh Youssef Abu Sanina attacked Israeli activities against the Arabs and the "settlers'" "intrusion" into Al-Aqsa's territory.

The Jerusalem Waqf, headed by Sheikh Al-Khatyib, recently placed blinds around the mosque to protect worshipers from the hot sun.

Tensions are expected to rise on the fourth Friday in Ramadan, which will fall on June 23 and will mark al-Quds Day. "Quds Day" marks a change in Iranian leadership, and often sparks calls to "free Palestine" and end the "Israeli occupation."