Israeli authorities imposed restrictions on Palestinians from the occupied West Bank attempting to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem for Friday prayers during Ramadan. These measures have further exacerbated tensions in the region, as access to the revered site remains controlled.
According to Middle East Monitor, Israeli forces have intensified their presence at checkpoints leading to Jerusalem, closely inspecting Palestinian identification documents and denying entry to many. An Anadolu correspondent in the West Bank reported that Palestinians from the northern governorates of Jenin and Tulkarm were turned away despite having obtained the necessary permits.
These restrictions are unfolding against the backdrop of an ongoing Israeli military offensive that has been targeting Palestinian cities and refugee camps since 21 January. The offensive has caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, displaced approximately 40,000 Palestinians, led to the arrest of around 400 individuals and resulted in the deaths of about 50 people, according to Palestinian sources.
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A Quiet Al-Aqsa During Ramadan
Tour operator Ayoob Dadabhay, who has been monitoring the situation on the ground, described the subdued atmosphere at Masjid Al-Aqsa during the holy month.
“The people from the West Bank are not allowed to visit Jerusalem, and this has been the case since 7th October [2023]. In that sense, it hasn’t changed. Masjid Al-Aqsa is very quiet; the only people that are in Masjid Al-Aqsa are the people from in and around Jerusalem,” Dadabhay said.
The usual vibrancy of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa has been noticeably absent this year, he added. “It’s not the usual Ramadan vibe that we’re getting. It’s very simmered down. We make du’a, a lot of families from the UK and South Africans will be arriving shortly and it won’t make a big difference, but it will add a few numbers to the numbers that are in Masjid Al-Aqsa at the moment.”
The restrictions on Palestinian worshippers and the broader military offensive have raised concerns among human rights organisations and international observers. Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, has long been a flashpoint, with access to the site often serving as a barometer of broader political tensions.
For many Palestinians, the inability to pray at Al-Aqsa during Ramadan is a painful reminder of the ongoing occupation and restrictions imposed on their freedom of movement. With no signs of easing tensions, the situation at Al-Aqsa remains a focal point of concern for the Muslim world and the international community.
