Israeli authorities ban Eid al-Fitr prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, citing security, as Palestinians gather near the Old City under tight restrictions.

JERUSALEM: Israeli authorities have banned Eid al-Fitr prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.

The restrictions were imposed citing security concerns amid the ongoing conflict.

According to Anadolu Ajansi, Palestinians called on worshippers to gather near the Old City to perform prayers as close to Al-Aqsa as possible.

This was for marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Israeli police have previously used batons, sound grenades and tear gas against Palestinians praying outside the Old City’s walls.

These protests were against restrictions on Al-Aqsa access during Ramadan.

Occupied East Jerusalem entered the festive period in a somber mood.

The Old City, which normally fills with Palestinians before Eid, was eerily quiet.

Israel restricted access citing an assembly ban, while Palestinian shopkeepers were prevented from opening their stores.

Only pharmacies and essential food shops were permitted to operate.

Palestinian traders, who declined to be named fearing Israeli reprisals, said the restrictions caused severe economic distress.

 The Sun Malaysia