Tel Aviv : In a move that has sparked controversy, Israel has announced new restrictions on Palestinians’ access to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan. According to an Arab media report, the Israeli government will significantly limit the number of Palestinians allowed to enter the mosque for prayers.
Citing Israeli media sources, the report states that only men over 55, women over 50, and children aged 12 or younger will be granted access to Al-Aqsa. Meanwhile, Palestinians aged 13 to 50, including women in this age group, will be completely barred from entering the mosque.
Additionally, Palestinians recently released from Israeli prisons under the Gaza ceasefire agreement and who have relocated to the West Bank will also be denied entry. Further restrictions require Palestinians wishing to visit the mosque during Ramadan to submit a request to Israeli authorities for approval.
For Friday congregational prayers, the Israeli government has imposed a cap, allowing only 10,000 worshippers into the mosque premises.
These restrictions have drawn sharp criticism from Palestinians and international observers, who view them as a violation of religious freedoms and a move that could further escalate tensions in the region. The decision has intensified concerns over Israel’s control of access to Al-Aqsa Mosque, a site of immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
