Amid the ongoing confrontation with Hamas, Israel has granted permission for prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during the upcoming Ramadan starting on March 10th. However, citing security claims, Israel notes that specific restrictions will be applied as necessary. Top religious scholars and Palestinian leaders suggest that Israel's actions are deliberately provoking Palestinians.
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem stands as one of the most sacred places for Muslims globally, being the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.
An Israeli news website reports that following a Sunday meeting with senior officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted a proposal presented by National Security Minister and hard-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, which seeks to limit Palestinian civilians' access to Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
Palestinian leader accuses Israel of provocation
Palestinian leaders and religious experts argue that by restricting Muslims' entry to the sacred mosque during Ramadan, Israel is looking to prolong the struggle with Hamas. Additionally, they claim Israel seeks to alter the status quo and its recent move is likely to inflame the global Islamic community and extend the Israeli military activities in Gaza.
Will there be restrictions on entering the mosque?
Reports indicate that the entry limitations will be based on criteria such as age and gender, to be determined shortly. Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly suggested that only Palestinian citizens of Israel over the age of 70 should be permitted entry to the mosque during Ramadan. On the other hand, the Israeli police have recommended allowing entry to individuals over the age of 45.
The proposal by Minister Ben-Gvir also included a complete ban on Palestinian citizens from the occupied West Bank entering Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, no decision has been finalized for West Bank citizens yet.
Additionally, Ben-Gvir proposed that during this time, if any Palestinian flags are raised or prayers support any form of terrorism in the mosque, the Israeli police shall be granted permission to raid Al-Aqsa Mosque. Nonetheless, Gvir's proposal was dismissed in the Sunday meeting.
Fierce backlashes against Israel's new move
Former Israeli parliament member Sami Abu Shahadeh states that, in his view, associating the holy month with violence is criminal on Israel's part. As a leader of the Balad party, Shahadeh was part of the Joint Arab List from 2019 to 2022.
He further remarks that never in the past 1400 years of their history has Ramadan been associated with violence. What has changed now is this new fascist right-wing government and its policies, creating an atmosphere of dread among worshipers during the holy month.
War against two billion Muslims: Sabri
A prominent Palestinian religious figure in Israel, Sheikh Kamal Al-Khatib, notes that while there have certainly been restrictive measures in the past, such as the decision to close loudspeakers and the Damascus Gate, limiting access to Al-Aqsa Mosque a month before Ramadan is unquestionably representing a massive religious war commandeered by Netanyahu's government.
Jerusalem's former Grand Mufti Ekrima Sabri believes that restricting Muslims' access to Al-Aqsa Mosque is an invalid decision that violates 'Freedom of Worship'. He adds that Israel's move regarding the world's third holiest mosque not only targets millions of Palestinians and Arabs but is tantamount to a war against two billion Muslims.
