Jerusalem: The Jerusalem Governorate has condemned the measures proposed by the Israeli occupation, represented by the recommendations of the "Israeli Parliamentary National Security Committee," to restrict Palestinian access to Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan. These measures, according to the Governorate, are seen as a blatant violation of freedom of worship and an arbitrary preemptive action.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Governorate explained that the recommendations include various restrictions on entry, as well as arrests and harassment of Palestinians. These actions are part of broader preemptive plans aimed at imposing further control over Jerusalem and limiting the fundamental religious rights of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Governorate expressed concern that if these restrictions were implemented, they would significantly impact the access and rights of worshippers.
The Governorate highlighted that these measures are in line with escalating incursions by colonists into Al-Aqsa Mosque and unprecedented violations supported by occupation authorities. Restrictions have intensified since October 2023, including complex permits and age limits, severely limiting access for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Citizens from the West Bank and Gaza Strip have long viewed Ramadan as an opportunity to enter Jerusalem, given that most are prevented from accessing it throughout the year. However, during Ramadan in 2024 and 2025, unprecedented restrictions were imposed, limiting the number of worshippers to ten thousand per week, only on Fridays. These restrictions included permit requirements, magnetic cards, mandatory evening departures, and age limits, leading to a significant decrease in the number of worshippers at Friday prayers.
Additionally, for the first time since 2014, the occupation prevented i'tikaf (night prayer) in Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday and Saturday nights, forcibly removing those attempting to stay. This has contributed to the occupation's unprecedented control over the mosque and the imposition of its restrictions.