• Israel limits entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque for Ramadan, allowing only 10,000 worshippers.
• Many Palestinians faced denial despite holding valid permits at checkpoints.
• Heavy security deployment surrounds the mosque, fueling tensions.

Israel has imposed stringent restrictions on Palestinian access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem during the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, allowing only 10,000 worshippers from the occupied West Bank to enter, a significant reduction compared to previous years. Entry is limited to men over 55, women over 50, and children under 12, which has severely limited access for many families and the broader community, according to Anadolu and Al Jazeera.

Hundreds of Palestinians arrived at checkpoints, such as Qalandiya, only to find themselves barred from crossing into Jerusalem despite holding previously issued permits. Reports indicate that while around 2,000 individuals managed to enter by morning, many were still queuing or being turned away, as Israeli forces claimed that the cap on the number of worshippers had already been reached, according to Middle East Eye, and Los Angeles Times.

The tense atmosphere was palpable as thousands gathered at checkpoints, with Israeli military officials deployed in large numbers, reportedly stated to be for security measures. Many Palestinians view this as a provocation, given the historical and religious significance of the site. “Getting to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is part of Palestinian tradition,” said Al Jazeera correspondent Nour Odeh, emphasizing the cultural importance of these prayers, and expressing frustration over the restrictions that limit communal worship during Ramadan, according to Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.

With the escalating restrictions on access to Al-Aqsa Mosque, Palestinians are left grappling with not only the limitations imposed by Israeli authorities but also the broader backdrop of conflict and loss in the region. Since October 2023, violence in Gaza and the West Bank has intensified, resulting in significant casualties and destruction that overshadow the festive nature typically associated with Ramadan. “Despite the displacement, the pain and the destruction, we want to rejoice and live,” stated Mohammad Kollab from Khan Younis, highlighting the struggles faced by the community, as reported by Los Angeles Times.