During the upcoming Ramadan holy month, Israel’s police minister announced on Tuesday that there will be a cap on the number of Muslim citizens allowed to participate in peak prayers at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque. This decision stems from concerns about potential protests related to the Gaza war at this sensitive site.
Al Aqsa, considered one of Islam’s holiest shrines, is located in East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in the 1967 war, and is a focal point for Palestinian statehood aspirations. The site also holds significance for Jews as a remnant of their ancient temples.
Access rules to Al Aqsa have been a source of frequent tension, particularly for the 18% of Israel’s population who are Muslim, and this issue often intensifies during Ramadan, which begins around March 10 this year. Previous restrictions have primarily targeted younger Palestinians from Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attempted to restrict most Muslim citizens from Friday prayers during Ramadan but was overruled by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Nevertheless, a cap of 40,000 to 50,000 attendees will be enforced, countering officials who proposed allowing 120,000 to 150,000 individuals.
This decision has drawn condemnation from Arab leaders, with opposition lawmaker Ahmad Tibi describing Ben-Gvir as an “arsonist” and criticizing those who support his actions.
Ben-Gvir expressed disappointment that Netanyahu did not accept his proposal to empower the police to enter the Al Aqsa compound and remove any flags or signs showing support for Hamas, the Palestinian group engaged in conflict with Israel in Gaza. Ben-Gvir argued that allowing displays of Hamas solidarity in the city Israel considers its capital would be a “picture of defeat.”
Israel has tightened entry for Palestinians since Hamas initiated the Gaza war with cross-border violence on October 7. The details of Palestinian access to Al Aqsa during this period were not immediately provided by a police spokesperson.
While Arab citizens of Israel, who identify as Palestinians, have rioted during previous conflicts, this war has not seen comparable sectarian strife. Ben-Gvir attributes this to his policy of “zero tolerance” for incitement, although critics argue it involves excessive monitoring of Arab citizens.
