Israeli police said Monday they will deploy large numbers of officers around the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound throughout Ramadan, which begins this week, while Palestinian officials accused authorities of imposing fresh restrictions on access and preparations at the site.
Senior Jerusalem police official Arad Braverman said forces would operate “day and night" across the compound and surrounding areas, with thousands also expected to be deployed for Friday prayers that draw the largest crowds.
Police have recommended issuing 10,000 permits for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank, who need special permission to enter Jerusalem, with the final decision to be taken by the government.
The Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate said it had been told permits would again be limited to men over 55 and women over 50, similar to last year’s criteria.
Officials also said Israeli authorities had prevented the Islamic Waqf, the Jordanian-run body that administers the compound, from carrying out routine Ramadan preparations such as installing shade structures and temporary medical clinics.
A Waqf source said 33 staff members had been barred from entering the site in the week leading up to Ramadan.
The Al-Aqsa compound, located in east Jerusalem, is Islam’s third-holiest site and a powerful symbol of Palestinian religious and national identity. It also sits at the heart of competing historical and religious claims.
Under the long-standing “status quo" arrangement, Muslims pray at the site while Jews are allowed to visit but not pray. Palestinians fear this balance is being gradually altered through tighter access controls and increased visits by Jewish activists, which they see as steps toward asserting greater Israeli control.
Israel says it remains committed to maintaining the existing arrangements.
Braverman said there were no plans to change the status quo, reiterating that security measures are aimed at managing large crowds during the holy month.
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
