Israel Plans to Restrict Muslim Access to Al-Aqsa Mosque During Ramadan
Former grand mufti warns that new measures will limit worshippers, violating freedom of worship at Islam's third-holiest site.
Israeli authorities are planning to impose restrictions on Muslim worshippers seeking to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, according to Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, former grand mufti of occupied East Jerusalem and head of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Sheikh Sabri expressed deep concern over the planned measures, which he said contradict the spirit of Ramadan and disrupt Muslims’ ability to observe their faith freely.
“Muslims welcome Ramadan with optimism, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad,” Sabri said. “But regarding Jerusalem, we regret the harsh measures the occupying authorities will impose on Muslims coming to Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
According to Sabri, Israeli authorities have already begun barring dozens of young men from entering the mosque and announced they will not ease restrictions during Ramadan for worshippers arriving from the occupied West Bank. This means the number of worshippers at Al-Aqsa will be significantly lower than in previous years.
The restrictions come amid ongoing tensions at the holy site, which has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics view the measures as part of a broader effort by Israel’s far-right government to change the longstanding “status quo” at the compound and reduce the authority of the Islamic Waqf, which oversees the site.
Sabri also condemned Israel’s policy of demolishing Palestinian homes in occupied East Jerusalem, calling it “racist, unjust, illegal, and inhumane.”
He urged Arab and Islamic leaders to take responsibility for protecting Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, and called on Muslims worldwide to support Palestinians facing these restrictions.
Source: TRT World
