Thousands of Palestinians are resisting Israel by praying near Al-Aqsa

Israel has banned Muslim men under the age of 50 from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, installed metal detectors and extra security cameras at the holy site, and deployed about 3,000 officers nearby.

But, Palestinians are not backing down without a fight. 

In an act of defiance against Israel's imposed control over the holy site, hundreds of Palestinians are carrying out their prayers in the streets outside the mosque, refusing to walk through the metal detectors.

The ongoing demonstrations and marches have been met with violent clashes with Israeli security forces, leaving many protesters seriously injured. 

Growing numbers of Muslims have been rallying at the mosque all week, choosing to pray in the streets outside the Al-Aqsa compound rather than undergo the newly-introduced security inspection. 

According to The Telegraph, Islamic authorities have asked other mosques in Jerusalem to close for the day and urge their congregations to protest at Al-Aqsa. 

In photos and videos shared on social media, masses of Muslim men are seen praying in unity on the streets. 

The prayers were part of the demonstrations held near Al-Aqsa in response to the occupation's limiting access to the compound, in which Muslims have exclusive prayer rights, only allowing women and men over the age of 50 to enter.

"We will redeem Al-Aqsa with our blood," protesters chanted, according to The Telegraph. "To Jerusalem we go, to be the martyrs of the millions."

The recent clash in Al-Aqsa first started last Friday, when three Palestinians opened fire against Israeli security forces near Al-Aqsa compound, killing two Israeli officers, before being shot dead by Israeli police. 

In response, Israel put Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque on total shutdown for two days and canceled last week's Friday prayers for the first time in almost two decades.

Israeli authorities restored access to the compound on Sunday, introducing extra security measures that Palestinians have been protesting against. 

Metal detectors and extra video cameras were installed at the holy site. The move has angered Muslims who fear Israel's imposing its control over the site might pave the way for alterations in the current agreement, which gives them exclusive prayer rights in Al-Aqsa. Jews are allowed to enter the compound under certain circumstances but not pray there.

The Jordanian Islamic authority that handles religious affairs at the site, along with other Islamic groups, issued a statement condemning the additional security measures and called upon Muslims to "reject and boycott all the Israeli aggression measures".

On Friday, Israeli authorities announced that Muslim men under 50 are barred from entering the compound.

"Friday prayers in Salah El-Din street in Occupied Jerusalem. Victory for Al-Aqsa mosque. #AlAqsa_Friday"

"A Christian young man lines up to pray with Muslim worshippers in Wadi Al-Jawz in Jerusalem. #AlAqsa_Friday. Photo source: Activists."

"Occupation forces use sound and gas bombs, bullets, batons, and horses. God protect them #AlAqsa_Friday." 

According to The National, Israeli forces are using rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters. 

Paramedics from the Red Crescent said 37 people were injured by rubber bullets.

Al-Aqsa imam and Supreme Muslim Council Head Sheikh Ekrima Sabri was injured after clashes erupted between worshippers and the Israeli forces on Tuesday evening.