In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Jerusalem and the West Bank have witnessed a series of prayers, protests, and clashes. The situation remains tense as Israeli security forces intensify their presence in the region to prevent any possible unrest from spilling over from the Gaza Strip.

According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, Israeli troops carried out raids in the West Bank, resulting in the death of four Palestinians. Two of the deceased individuals were identified as members of militant factions. The incident adds to the escalating violence and unrest in the area.

In East Jerusalem, Israeli police officers clashed with Arab residents, exacerbating the already volatile situation. The security forces restricted young Palestinians from entering the Al-Aqsa mosque for prayers, a move that sparked anger and frustration. The Old City and its surroundings witnessed a heavy deployment of Israeli security forces to maintain control and prevent any potential clashes.

Reporters from Reuters observed large numbers of Israeli police guarding the perimeter of Al-Aqsa, a site that has been a flashpoint for tensions in the past. As Palestinians gathered for Friday prayers, tear gas was deployed by the police at one point, further intensifying the atmosphere of the situation.

This marks the third consecutive week that Palestinians have been restricted from praying at the Al-Aqsa mosque following the recent escalation of the conflict triggered by Hamas' assault on southern Israel. The ongoing Israeli bombardment and siege of Gaza have further added to the restrictions imposed on Palestinians.

As a result, Palestinians were forced to say their prayers outside the Old City, congregating by roadsides under the watchful eyes of Israeli security forces. Eventually, approximately 5,000 elderly worshippers were allowed to enter the mosque. The Jerusalem Islamic Endowments Department, which administers the mosque, stated that typically around 50,000 people would participate in these prayers.

The Al-Aqsa mosque, referred to as The Noble Sanctuary in Muslim tradition and Temple Mount by Jews, remains a highly contested religious site. The tensions surrounding it have been exacerbated by the recent escalations in the Gaza conflict.

In the West Bank, the Israeli military reported that two men were killed during arrest operations in the city of Jenin. The Islamic Jihad militant group confirmed that one of the deceased individuals belonged to their organization, while Hamas stated that one of their fighters was also killed in the fighting.

WAFA, the Palestinian news agency, reported two additional Palestinian deaths in Jenin and Kalkilya. These deaths bring the total number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict to 110.

The Israeli military provided its account, stating that in Kalkilya, its troops came under fire while closing a store whose owner was accused of incitement to violence. In response, the military fired back, injuring at least one person.

Protests against Israeli actions were not limited to the West Bank. In the capital of Jordan, thousands of people took to the streets expressing their solidarity with the Palestinians and denouncing Israel. Many waved the Palestinian flag, displaying their support for the ongoing resistance in Gaza. Voices demanding justice for Palestinians in the face of the escalating violence echoed among the protesters.

As the conflict continues to escalate and tensions persist, the international community closely watches the developments in the region. The mounting casualties and unrest highlight the urgent need for a swift resolution to de-escalate the violence and bring about a lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.