Ramadan: Israel To Bar Some Muslim Citizens From Jerusalem Mosque

According to the minister of police on Tuesday, Israel would limit the number of Muslim citizens who attend the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during the next holy month of Ramadan, due to fears that protests over the Gaza war may take place at this flashpoint.

The focal point of Palestinian aspirations for statehood is Al Aqsa, one of Islam’s holiest shrines, which is located in East Jerusalem and was taken by Israel during a 1967 conflict. Jews too have great reverence for the place as a remnant of their two ancient temples.

The rules governing entry have often caused conflict, especially for the 18% of Muslims living in Israel, especially during Ramadan, which starts on March 10 this year.

In the past, Israel has placed limitations, mostly on the younger Palestinian population living in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. Concerns for relapses are growing as the Gaza conflict has been going on for over four months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s proposal to prevent the majority of Muslim Americans from participating in Friday prayers during Ramadan. Despite this, he declared that there would be a maximum of 40,000 to 50,000 admitted, having prevailed over bureaucrats’ demands for 120,000 to 150,000 admissions.

Also Read: Netanyahu Vows To ‘Finish The Job’ In Gaza As Ramadan Draws Near

He said to Army Radio on Tuesday, “My position in principle was accepted over those who thought a whole promenade of Israeli Arabs should be allowed in.”

Opposition member Ahmad Tibi, among other Arab figures, denounced the measure, calling far-right Ben-Gvir an “arsonist, but who has above him someone who is responsible and is handing him a jerrycan of petrol.”

Ben-Gvir expressed his dissatisfaction that Netanyahu had rejected his suggestion granting police permission to enter the Al Aqsa site and take down any banners or placards that were put up in favor of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that Israel is now battling in Gaza.

Ben-Gvir contended that permitting such demonstrations of Hamas solidarity in the city that Israel considers its capital—a designation that is not commonly acknowledged internationally—would be a “picture of defeat,” citing the predicament of the hostages held in Gaza.

Since Hamas began its cross-border assassination and kidnapping campaign on October 7, which set off the Gaza War, Israel has tightened restrictions on Palestinian immigration. Plans for any Palestinian access to Al Aqsa were not immediately made clear by a police official.