Thousands Gather at Al-Aqsa During Ramadan Amid Israeli Restrictions

Thousands of Palestinian worshippers attended prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Friday, the second day of Ramadan. According to reports, around 100,000 Palestinians entered the site despite Israel’s restrictions, which limit entry for Friday prayers to 10,000 individuals with daily permits.

To enter the mosque, worshippers underwent thorough security screening at the Qalandiya checkpoint in the occupied West Bank. Israeli authorities have implemented rules that restrict access to the site, allowing only certain groups of people to attend, including men over 55, women 50 years or older, and children under 12 accompanied by a relative.

Visitors are also required to complete digital verification procedures at crossings when returning to the West Bank. In addition, Israeli authorities have recently announced bans on 280 Jerusalem residents, including religious figures, journalists, and released prisoners, from attending prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The restrictions imposed by Israel have been in place since the start of Ramadan and have increased since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023. Despite these measures, many Palestinians who attempted to attend the mosque found themselves turned away by Israeli authorities, including those with valid permits. Some reported being denied entry due to strict procedures, while others were forced to return alone after their companions were refused entry.

The situation at Al-Aqsa Mosque has been a point of contention between Israel and Palestinian communities, with many viewing the restrictions as an attempt to limit access to the site and erase the cultural identity of occupied East Jerusalem.

Source: Al Jazeera