Israel tightens restrictions on Palestinians seeking to pray at Al-Aqsa

Israeli authorities have significantly restricted Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers, establishing stringent checkpoint controls around Jerusalem that have left many worshippers unable to reach the holy site.

At checkpoints including Qalandia in northern Jerusalem and Checkpoint 300 in the south, Israeli forces intensified security measures, creating large crowds as Palestinians attempted to enter the city.

Many were turned away after ID checks revealed they lacked newly required special permits.

“I tried several times to cross Qalandia checkpoint, but every time they checked my ID and refused to let me in, claiming I lacked a special permit,” said Blanca Barakat, a 65-year-old Palestinian woman.” All these restrictions—for what? More measures we don’t even understand!”

Barakat expressed frustration over what she sees as a double standard. “This is our mosque, the site of our Prophet’s ascension, peace be upon him,” she said. “They should open all checkpoints and allow all Palestinians to enter Al-Aqsa and pray there.”

Palestinians getting denied entry to mosque

Another worshipper, 70-year-old Saif Mustafa, reported similar treatment, telling Anadolu Agency that he was denied entry for lacking the required documentation.

The increased restrictions follow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Thursday approval of new limitations on Palestinian worshippers’ access during Ramadan.

According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the government has implemented security recommendations allowing only specific demographic groups from the West Bank to enter the mosque: men over 55, women over 50, and children under 12.

Even these eligible groups must obtain prior security clearance and undergo thorough checks at designated checkpoints.

The policy parallels measures used during the previous year and comes amid daily incursions by hundreds of Israeli settlers into the mosque compound during the Muslim holy month.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, Israeli authorities have consistently tightened restrictions on Palestinian movement from the West Bank to East Jerusalem. Many Palestinians view these limitations as part of broader efforts to Judaize East Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, and erase its Arab and Islamic identity.