OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Approximately 80,000 Palestinians performed the first Friday prayers of Ramadan at Aqsa Mosque and its courtyards, despite strict Israeli measures aimed at limiting access, particularly for worshippers from the West Bank.
Local Jerusalem sources reported that the large turnout came amid a heavy Israeli security presence and tightened restrictions at the entrances to the city, especially at the Qalandia checkpoint north of Jerusalem. Israeli forces installed barriers and concrete blocks, checked IDs, searched worshippers, and turned back dozens despite them holding valid permits.
Israeli authorities had previously announced that only 10,000 Palestinians from the West Bank would be allowed to attend Friday prayers each week during Ramadan, under restrictive conditions. These include age limits, men over 55 and women over 50, while children under 12 may enter only if accompanied by a first-degree relative.
However, local sources say these figures do not reflect reality on the ground, as Israeli forces have prevented hundreds from entering without clear justification, even when they meet the stated criteria.
As part of increased surveillance measures, Israeli authorities have introduced a “magnetic card” system for West Bank Palestinians. The system requires individuals to pass electronic checkpoints, allowing authorities to track their movements from their place of residence to Occupied Jerusalem.
These restrictions are part of a broader escalation of security policies since October 7, 2023, including limiting the number of worshippers, issuing conditional permits based on security clearance, and enforcing heightened digital monitoring.
Dozens of Palestinians were prevented from reaching Occupied Jerusalem, while journalists and medical teams faced restrictions at Qalandia checkpoint. Four paramedics were reportedly detained, and military measures were intensified around the city.
As part of restrictions imposed on worshippers during the month of Ramadan, Israel announced that it would allow 10,000 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank to attend Friday prayers at Aqsa Mosque each week during Ramadan, while tightening conditions on who is permitted to enter.
Access will be limited to men aged 55 and above, women aged 50 and above, and children under the age of 12, provided they are accompanied by a first-degree relative from the West Bank.
Around 60,000 worshippers performed the Isha and Taraweeh prayers on the second day of Ramadan at Aqsa Mosque, amid restrictions imposed by Israeli forces.
Israeli authorities also prevented young men from entering the Mosque through Bab al-Silsila shortly before evening prayers and imposed strict controls on bringing in food, even for families arriving to break their fast with meals they had brought with them.
Palestinian and Jerusalem-based groups have called for increased mobilization and for people to travel to Aqsa Mosque in greater numbers during Ramadan, urging a stronger presence at the site to counter escalating Israeli measures aimed at emptying the Mosque of its worshippers and isolating it from its Palestinian surroundings.
