Jerusalem, 22 March 2024 (TDI): Before the start of the holy month of Ramadan, Israel announced the imposition of restrictions and barred Palestinians from the West Bank from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Since the beginning of Ramadan, Israel has deployed more than 24 military battalions and 750 checkpoints in the West Bank. Accordingly, Palestinians used the bumpy roads to enter the Al-Aqsa compound.
Besides the deployment in the West Bank, Israel deployed more than 3000 police and military personnel. This action aimed to prevent Palestinians from arriving to pray at Al-Aqsa mosque.
Israel’s move prompted a reaction from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. The Ministry considered the Israeli prevention of Palestinians from entering Al-Aqsa to pray as a crime against humanity.
Noteworthy, 50000 worshippers performed Tarawih on Thursday despite hindering access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, closing Al-Wad Street.
Also Read: Palestine condemns restrictions on Al-Aqsa Prayers during Ramadan
Today, 120000 people attended the Friday sermon according to the the director-general of the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem, Sheikh Azzam al-Khatib. The number is lower than estimated. On the same day last year, 250000 Muslims attended the Friday sermon.
Who is allowed to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque?
Israel announced who is allowed to enter East Jerusalem: men over the age of 55 or women over the age of 50.
Mustafa Barghouti, the secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, stressed that more than 95 percent of Palestinians are disallowed to reach Al-Aqsa.
In addition, Palestinian officials stressed that their compatriots have to get special magnetic cards from the Israelis, which take a lot of time to acquire it.
Although Palestinian Abdullah Hamayel carried an American passport, he was denied entry into Jerusalem. Beida Omar was also returned to the West Bank before the evening prayer last Friday.
Soldiers told her she did not follow instructions and had to return to the West Bank. But she said that it was untrue and claimed that the permit was withdrawn.
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