Jerusalem: Israeli far-right activists held a gathering near Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday morning with music and dancing, and police supported them by barring young Palestinian faithful from entering Islam's third holiest mosque to offer prayers, according to witnesses.

According to Anadolu Agency, witnesses reported that far-right Israelis organized an event near Bab al-Asbat (Lions' Gate), one of the entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. This event was held to mark the anniversary of the occupation of East Jerusalem according to the Hebrew calendar. Participants were seen playing music and dancing in close proximity to the mosque compound.

Witnesses also noted that Israeli police simultaneously closed the Bab al-Asbat and Bab al-Malik Faisal gates, restricting worshippers from entering the mosque. The police imposed additional restrictions specifically targeting young Palestinian faithful who were attempting to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers.

As of 0830GMT, there was no statement from the Israeli police regarding these developments.