On Friday, Israeli occupation forces intensified restrictions on Palestinian worshippers attempting to reach the Al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers on the last Friday of Ramadan.

The Israeli authorities prevented access to men under 55 years old and women under 50, except for those with special permits. Children under 12 were only allowed entry if accompanied by an adult.

Witnesses reported that dozens of elderly Palestinians were denied entry at the Qalandia and Bethlehem checkpoints, citing a lack of required documentation despite meeting age requirements. Additionally, young people from Jerusalem were barred from entering, and many received preventive deportation orders during the holy month.

Upon arriving at the gates of Al-Aqsa, worshippers faced rigorous identity checks, and a significant number were denied entry. This year, the occupying authorities limited the number of West Bank residents authorized to pray at Al-Aqsa on Fridays to just 10,000. Furthermore, restrictive permit timings made it difficult for many worshippers to complete the Isha and Tarawih prayers, which are customary in previous years.

The change to daylight saving time in Jerusalem exacerbated the situation, forcing Palestinians to leave immediately after midday prayers to reach checkpoints on time. Since the escalation of violence by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2023, access for Palestinians to the mosque has become nearly impossible, while Jewish settlers conduct provocative visits under military protection.

Once again, Palestinians residing in Gaza were unable to participate in prayers on the last Friday of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque due to long-standing restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities.

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