Israeli forces set up military checkpoints all over the Old City of Jerusalem, blocking thousands of Palestinians from getting to Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers, Al Jazeera reports, citing local media.

Due to the restrictions, only 15,000 people were able to make it to the mosque today, according to the Islamic Wafq which administers the site, a far lower number than usual on Friday when many Muslims congregate for communal worship.