Israel tightens Al-Aqsa access for second Friday of Ramadan, turning back worshippers

Israeli forces deployed heavily across the occupied West Bank on Friday, enforcing tight restrictions on Palestinian worshippers seeking to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque for the second Friday of Ramadan. Thousands gathered before dawn at the Qalandia military checkpoint north of Jerusalem, but many were turned back despite arriving early and holding permits, worshippers told Anadolu.

Strict Permit System

Under a plan approved at the start of Ramadan, entry is limited to 10,000 Palestinian worshippers each Friday, with permits requiring prior security approval. Eligible worshippers must meet strict criteria: men aged 55 and over, women 50 and over, and children under 12 accompanied by a first-degree relative. Each prayer requires a separate daily permit, and worshippers must complete digital verification procedures when returning to the West Bank.

Personal Stories of Denial

Ali Nawas, 58, traveled from Nablus with his wife, who held a permit. Soldiers allowed him to pass but denied her entry. "I was forced to return with her. How could she go back to Nablus alone?" he asked, noting they spent over an hour traveling only to be turned away "within a minute." Joudat Jaradat, 65, from Ramallah, said soldiers scanned his permit card and barred him without explanation. "I am 65 years old, and they still prevented me from entering Jerusalem," he said. Najati Oweida, who came from Hebron, was also turned back despite presenting a permit, calling the procedures "strict" despite Israeli claims of facilitation.

Women and Elderly Affected

Mariam Ramadan, 54, said she was denied entry and accused of lying. "They do not want large numbers to enter for prayer," she said. Worshippers expressed frustration at being prevented from praying at Islam's third holiest site, with many citing the multiplied spiritual reward of prayers at Al-Aqsa. Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, Israeli authorities have tightened movement restrictions at checkpoints leading to Jerusalem, allowing only limited numbers of Palestinians with difficult-to-secure army-issued permits. Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, while Israel considers the entire city its capital.