Israel to impose severe restrictions on al-Aqsa mosque access, sets to dispatch thousands of police ahead of Ramadan
An Israeli security forces member moves in position during clashes with Palestinian protestors Credit: AMMAR AWAD /REUTERS
Israel is preparing to tighten restrictions on entry to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem ahead of Ramadan.
According to Israeli Public Broadcaster Kan, 3,000 police officers will be stationed at checkpoints leading to the site. Additionally, authorities will block recently released Palestinian detainees from accessing the compound.
Israeli broadcaster N12 reported that only 10,000 worshippers will be allowed in for Friday prayers, with entry subject to prior approval.
Access will be further limited to men over 55 and women over 50, though children under 12 will reportedly be permitted. Traditionally, tens of thousands of Palestinians visit the mosque for prayers throughout Ramadan.
Sources told N12 that “the volatility of Ramadan will largely depend on the situation in Gaza.” If a ceasefire holds, tensions are expected to remain low, but if not, Israel will deploy additional security forces in anticipation of potential escalations, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
The al-Aqsa compound has long been a flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian tensions, with past restrictions and Israeli raids triggering violent confrontations.
In 2021, Israeli forces stormed the mosque, leading to a 10-day conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Similar raids in 2022 and 2023 resulted in clashes and rocket fire.
