JERUSALEM: Israeli police said on Monday that they will deploy heavily around Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramazan. The announcement came as Palestinian officials accused Israel of imposing new restrictions at the compound.
Ramazan begins this week. During the fasting month, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians traditionally gather for prayers at the site. Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third-holiest place, lies in east Jerusalem, which Israel captured in 1967 and later annexed.
Senior Jerusalem police officer Arad Braverman said forces will operate across the compound day and night. Police will also deploy in surrounding areas. He added that thousands of officers will be on duty for Friday prayers, which attract the largest crowds.
Braverman said police recommended issuing 10,000 permits for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank. These worshippers require special permission to enter Jerusalem. He did not confirm whether authorities will impose age restrictions. He said the government will decide the final number of permits.
The Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate said authorities will again limit permits to men over 55 and women over 50. Officials said the criteria mirror last year’s policy.
The governorate also accused Israeli authorities of blocking the Waqf from carrying out routine preparations. These include installing shade structures and setting up temporary medical clinics. A Waqf source confirmed the restrictions. The source said authorities barred 33 Waqf employees from entering the compound in the week before Ramazan.
The Al-Aqsa compound remains a central symbol of Palestinian identity. It also frequently triggers tensions. Under existing arrangements, Jewish visitors may enter the site but may not pray there.
Israel says it remains committed to maintaining this long-standing status quo. Palestinians, however, fear that authorities are gradually eroding it. Braverman reiterated that police do not plan to change the current arrangements.