Jerusalem on the First Friday of Ramadan: Strict Israeli Restrictions and Thousands Trapped at Checkpoints

The Israeli forces imposed strict measures today, Friday, on the entry of worshippers coming from the West Bank to the city of Jerusalem, coinciding with the performance of the first Friday prayer of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Increased Security at Qalandiya Checkpoint

The Israeli army reinforced its military presence at the Qalandiya checkpoint, where thousands of Palestinians underwent thorough identity checks, while men under 55 and women under 50 – even those with special permits – were prevented from entering the city, according to eyewitnesses.
Despite the restrictions, thousands of citizens flocked to the checkpoint from the early morning hours in an attempt to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque, amidst severe congestion and intensive security measures.

Return of the Elderly and Detention of Paramedics

Eyewitnesses confirmed that Israeli forces returned dozens of elderly individuals at the Qalandiya and Bethlehem checkpoints, claiming they did not meet the required permit conditions, and four paramedics were detained while medical and journalistic teams faced obstructions around the checkpoint.
In the Old City, Israeli forces intensified their measures at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque, where they scrutinized the identities of young men and prevented several from entering, as part of a policy to restrict the number of worshippers.

Thousands Trapped and Accusations of Reducing Numbers

For its part, the Jerusalem Governorate announced that Israeli authorities prevented the entry of a number of citizens under the pretext of "reaching the allowed number," indicating that thousands of Palestinians were trapped at the checkpoints, as they were denied access to the city.
The governorate clarified that the measures included the deployment of additional checkpoints and tightening restrictions around the entrances to Jerusalem, considering that these steps aim to reduce the number of worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.

Targeting the Role of Endowments

The governorate also indicated that the imposed restrictions represent – as described – an infringement on the role of Islamic endowments in managing the affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and an attempt to impose a new reality that affects the status quo.

These developments come at a time of increasing tension in Jerusalem with the arrival of Ramadan, amidst fears of field escalation in the coming weeks.