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Israel Limits Al-Aqsa Ramadan Access to 10,000 West Bank Worshippers and Extends Non-Muslim Visiting Hours

Israeli authorities describe the steps as crowd control, drawing Palestinian claims they undercut the long-standing status quo.

Overview

  • COGAT set a framework allowing 10,000 Palestinians from the West Bank to attend Friday prayers with daily permits and prior security clearance.
  • Entry will be limited to men aged 55 and over, women aged 50 and over, and children up to age 12 accompanied by a first-degree relative.
  • Jerusalem’s district police extended morning visiting hours for non-Muslim groups at the compound to five hours per day during Ramadan.
  • Police said forces will be deployed "day and night" around the site, with thousands on duty for Friday prayers to manage crowds.
  • The Islamic Waqf reported blocked Ramadan preparations and staff bans, and a senior imam, Sheikh Muhammad al-Abbasi, was barred and reportedly detained, drawing condemnation from Hamas.