• Israel restricts entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque for first Friday of Ramadan, limiting access to 10,000 Palestinians.
• Only specific demographics are permitted, including men over 55, women over 50, and children under 12.
• Thousands were prevented from entering, despite holding valid permits.
• Heavy Israeli military presence at checkpoints led to significant delays and denials of entry for worshippers.
• Restrictions are viewed as part of broader efforts to limit Palestinian access to the site.

Israel tightened restrictions for Palestinian worshippers attempting to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the first Friday of Ramadan, capping access at 10,000 individuals from the occupied West Bank. This is a stark decrease compared to previous years when hundreds of thousands typically gathered for prayers, according to Anadolu Agency, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye.

The restrictions apply to specific demographics: only men over the age of 55, women over 50, and children under 12 are eligible to receive permits for entry, a significant restriction compared to years past when broader access was common. Reports indicate that only about 2,000 Palestinians successfully crossed the Qalandiya checkpoint by early morning, with many others still waiting, according to Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.

Many worshippers reported being stopped and turned away despite having valid permits. The Governorate of Jerusalem stated that countless residents were denied entry under the excuse that the quota of 10,000 had been reached, leading to despair among those hoping to attend prayers. "Thousands of West Bank residents are crowded at the Qalandiya checkpoint," the statement said, underscoring the extensive military presence that included senior officers overseeing operations, according to Anadolu Agency and Middle East Eye.

The Israeli military’s heightened security measures during Ramadan are part of ongoing operations that Palestinians criticize as attempts to restrict access to religious sites. “Getting to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is part of Palestinian tradition, and this year many will not be allowed to break their fast in Jerusalem,” noted Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, highlighting how these restrictions sever ties between communities, according to Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.

Moreover, the logistical requirements imposed at checkpoints, including biometric documentation for entry and exit, are seen as intentional obstacles aimed at limiting the number of worshippers. Witnesses reported that even volunteer medical teams offering assistance were barred from entering, leaving many worshippers emotional and distraught, reiterating how conditions are becoming increasingly difficult for those attempting to access Al-Aqsa, as noted by Anadolu Agency and Middle East Eye.