Thousands of Muslim worshipers performed the Isha and Tarawih prayers on Tuesday at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied Jerusalem, marking the first night of the holy month of Ramadan.
According to local sources, thousands of Palestinian citizens managed to reach the Mosque despite Israeli restrictions imposed on entering the Old City and the Al-Aqsa compound.
The Israeli occupation police reportedly deployed additional forces and imposed movement restrictions across Jerusalem, particularly around the Old City and its entrances.
Thousands of Palestinians perform the first Taraweeh prayers of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque. pic.twitter.com/ot1A8MM3n4
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) February 17, 2026
Footage showed Israeli forces harassing and intimidating Palestinian citizens, subjecting them to humiliating searches, and preventing hundreds from reaching the Mosque to pray. Police officers were also seen storming the Mosque’s courtyards during the prayers.
A number of worshipers—both women and men—who were barred from entering Al-Aqsa, offered their prayers on the streets near its gates.
Earlier in the evening, Sheikh Mohamed Hussein, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, announced that Wednesday, February 18, would mark the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Source: Palestinian media (edited and translated by Al-Manar)