Muslims to Face Access Limits at al-Aqsa Mosque This Ramadan
Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, former grand mufti of Jerusalem and head of the Supreme Islamic Council in the city, expressed concern over the planned limitations on the third-holiest mosque for Muslims during the holy month, which begins midweek.
He noted that Israeli intentions became apparent when Maj. Gen. Avshalom Peled was appointed as the new police commander in occupied East Jerusalem in early January—a move seen as supporting far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s agenda concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque. “It seems Ben-Gvir is doing everything he can to fan the flames,” as reported by local media.
“Muslims welcome Ramadan with optimism, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, who used to welcome the month at the end of Shaaban,” Sheikh Sabri said. “But regarding Jerusalem, we regret the harsh measures the occupying authorities will impose on Muslims coming to Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
He added: “Israeli authorities have already barred dozens of young men from entering the mosque and announced that they will not ease restrictions during Ramadan for worshippers arriving from the occupied West Bank.”
“This means there will be tighter restrictions,” Sabri explained. “The number of worshippers at Al-Aqsa will be lower than in previous years. This contradicts freedom of worship and disrupts Muslims’ observance of the fasting month.”
Typically, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank travel to occupied East Jerusalem during Ramadan to pray at al-Aqsa Mosque.
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