In a move that has escalated tensions in the occupied West Bank, Israeli authorities have denied thousands of Palestinians entry to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem for prayer during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The restrictions, which have been heavily criticized, have resulted in a limited number of worshippers being able to visit the site, raising concerns about the infringement of religious rights.

According to the Quds News Network, approximately 80,000 worshippers managed to reach the Al-Aqsa Mosque for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan. However, this number represents only a fraction of the Palestinian population residing in the occupied West Bank. Reports indicate that up to 95 percent of Palestinians are prohibited from accessing the holy site, making it virtually inaccessible for the majority.

The Israeli authorities have imposed strict conditions for entry. Only men over the age of 55 and women over the age of 50 are permitted to enter the mosque, and even they must possess a valid permit. Acquiring these permits is a complicated and time-consuming process, with many individuals being deprived of the necessary documentation. Mustafa Barghouti, the secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, highlighted the difficulties, stating that individuals must obtain a special magnetic security card and a permit directly from the Israeli government.

The severe restrictions on access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque have fueled anger among Palestinians. Barghouti expressed concerns over the tense atmosphere within the mosque due to Israeli restrictions, physical assaults on worshippers, and provocative incidents. He warned that these provocations could lead to further trouble in the coming days.

Palestinians have shared their experiences of being turned away at the mosque. One individual, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke of being denied entry despite being over the age of 55 and presenting valid identification. The presence of Israeli forces surpasses that of worshippers, leading to a disproportionate and intimidating environment.

Previously, there were no age restrictions on women, and men as young as 45 were allowed entry to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The introduction of stricter conditions has caught many Palestinians by surprise, as they were unaware of the need for entry permits. Reports describe people being turned away at checkpoints due to the lack of proper documentation, while Israeli soldiers maintain a heavy presence in the surrounding areas.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deceiving the international community by imposing additional measures to limit access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan. The ministry condemned the actions as "racist" and called for intervention from the international community to safeguard the right to worship.

Under a 1967 status quo agreement, Jordan is responsible for overseeing the Al-Aqsa compound through the Waqf Council. In response to the restrictions, Al-Aqsa Mosque preacher Sheikh Ikrimah Sabri emphasized that there will be "no room for compromise on Al-Aqsa." He assured that the mosque would remain open, and the presence of worshippers conveyed a powerful message to those who sought to harm this sacred space.

The Israeli authorities' move to limit access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan has sparked tensions, drawing criticism from Palestinians and calls for international intervention to uphold the right to worship. As the holy month continues, observers are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that respects religious freedom and promotes peace in the region.