Al Aqsa Friday prayers: Israel restricts Palestinians from reaching mosque

Key Concepts

• Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound: Islam’s third holiest site, located in occupied East Jerusalem.
• Israeli Permits: Required for Palestinians from the West Bank to enter East Jerusalem, particularly during religious observances like Ramadan.
• Restrictions on Access: Limitations imposed by Israeli authorities on the number and demographics of Palestinians allowed to pray at Al-Aqsa.
• Electronic Monitoring: Use of electronic cards to track Palestinian worshippers and restrict their time in Jerusalem.
• Illegal Annexation: Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967, considered illegal under international law.

Access Restrictions for Ramadan Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

The report focuses on the significant restrictions placed on Palestinians attempting to access the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan. Hundreds of Palestinians are queuing at the Kalandia checkpoint near Ramallah, hoping to obtain permission to enter Jerusalem. Israel has announced it will allow only 10,000 Palestinians to pray at the site, a number described as “a drop in the ocean” given the West Bank’s population of 3.3 million.

The eligibility criteria for permits are highly restrictive, limited to children under 12, men over 55, and women over 50. This contrasts sharply with previous years, where up to 250,000 worshippers would attend the holy site. Access is being granted to Palestinians from the occupied West Bank, occupied East Jerusalem, and Palestinian citizens of Israel. However, a significant number of individuals remain “stuck” at checkpoints, being prevented from entering.

Reporting from Kalandia Checkpoint & Journalist Interference

Al Jazeera’s No Odair reports live from the Kalandia checkpoint, detailing the scene of frustrated worshippers and the presence of Israeli occupation soldiers. Odair notes that journalists have been repeatedly pushed back by soldiers, facing threats of rifles and detention – an occurrence witnessed at least twice within the hour. This interference highlights the challenges faced by media attempting to cover the situation.

Significance of Al-Aqsa & Palestinian Tradition

Odair emphasizes the deep spiritual and cultural importance of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Palestinians. Access to the compound is not merely a religious act but a longstanding tradition spanning generations, forming a crucial part of Palestinian heritage. “Spending the day there is extremely important. It’s part of the heritage of Palestinians,” Odair stated.

New Restrictions: Electronic Monitoring & Limited Prayer Times

This year, Israeli authorities have implemented new restrictions beyond limiting the number of worshippers. They are issuing electronic cards to monitor Palestinians, allowing them to pray only during the noon and Asr (afternoon) prayers before requiring their return to the West Bank. This prevents Palestinians from breaking their fast in Jerusalem, a customary practice, and is described as a deliberate attempt to “sever ties between occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied West Bank.”

Historical Context: Illegal Annexation of East Jerusalem

The report underscores the historical context of the situation, referencing Israel’s illegal annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967. This annexation is widely considered a violation of international law and forms the basis for ongoing disputes over sovereignty and access to holy sites.

Data & Figures

• West Bank Population: 3.3 million
• Permitted Worshippers: 10,000
• Previous Peak Attendance: 250,000 worshippers annually
• Year of Annexation: 1967 (Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem)

Conclusion

The report paints a picture of severely restricted access for Palestinians wishing to observe Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The limited number of permits, stringent eligibility criteria, electronic monitoring, and restrictions on time spent in Jerusalem represent a significant curtailment of religious freedom and a deliberate attempt to isolate East Jerusalem from the wider Palestinian community. The interference with journalists further complicates the reporting of these events.