l-Aqsa mosque is one of the flashpoints of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the scene of frequent clashes
Israeli law enforcement, including police and border police, are deployed throughout East Jerusalem and the Old City as security precaution some 135,000 Muslim worshipers travel from the West Bank and throughout Israel to attend prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque for the first Friday of Ramadan.
Some streets in East Jerusalem have been shut down to accommodate traffic to the conflict-embroiled area known to Jews as the Temple Mount compound.
"On the Temple Mount, 135,000 people taking part in the first Friday prayers of the Ramadan. Police units carrying out security measures.," Israel Police foreign spokesman Micky Rosenfeld tweeted.
Police also warned that they would "act decisively against anyone who tries to disrupt the peace," and encouraged worshipers to adhere to police orders.
Police Security measures in and around the old city of Jerusalem for first Friday of Ramadan. Thousands of people visiting visiting the area pic.twitter.com/8CGCGn07Ab
— Micky Rosenfeld (@MickyRosenfeld) May 10, 2019
Entry permits for Palestinians in the West Bank were issued according to the discretion of Israel's Ministry of Defense.
Muslims believe the Al-Aqsa mosque compound is where the prophet Muhammad was transported from Mecca before ascending to Heaven. It is the third holiest site in Islam.
Jews believe the Temple Mount is where the first and second temples once existed, with some right-wing Israeli citizens and lawmakers demanding the right to worship in the area currently under the custodianship of the Waqf, the Islamic endowment body tasked with managing the Dome of the Rock compound, where Al-Aqsa stands.