Israel bars Palestinians from Al-Aqsa Mosque ahead of Ramadan
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Israeli authorities have issued entry bans to several Palestinians in Jerusalem, restricting access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque just weeks before Ramadan begins.
According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, on February 5, occupation forces handed orders to three former detainees from the Al-Issawiya neighborhood, Jerusalem Sharia judge Iyad Al-Abbasi, and two other men. Citing the Wadi Hilweh Information Centre, Wafa noted that these bans last one week initially but can be renewed for months.
Palestinians are often summoned or arrested, then released with such restrictions. Sources describe this as a deliberate policy to reduce visitors, guards, and staff at the mosque during the holy month.
Since the Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023, Israel has curtailed West Bank Palestinians' access to East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa. In 2024 and 2025, Ramadan measures included age limits (men over 55, women over 50), required security permits, and weekly entry caps.
Many Jerusalem Palestinians have also received WhatsApp messages from Israeli intelligence enforcing these prohibitions.