Israel allows 10,000 Palestinians to Al-Aqsa for Ramadan
text_fields
Jerusalem: Israel will permit 10,000 Palestinian worshippers weekly access to Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem during Ramadan, which began Wednesday, but only for men over 55, women over 50, and children under 12 accompanied by relatives.
COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry's Palestinian affairs agency, stated: "Ten thousand Palestinian worshippers will be permitted to enter the Temple Mount for Friday prayers throughout the month of Ramadan, subject to obtaining a dedicated daily permit in advance."
Hundreds of thousands traditionally pray at Islam's third-holiest site during the month. Israel captured and annexed east Jerusalem in 1967—a move not internationally recognized.
The Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate reported Israeli blocks on Waqf preparations, like shade structures and medical clinics. Senior imam Sheikh Muhammad Al-Abbasi said he has been barred from the compound for a week without explanation, with the order potentially renewable.
Jews can visit the site—revered as the Temple Mount—but not pray there, per status quo Israel claims to uphold. Palestinians worry it's eroding, fueled by ultranationalist challenges, including far-right ex-minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's prayers who served as national security minister in 2024 and 2025.