Israeli authorities will allow tens of thousands of Arab Israelis and Palestinians from the West Bank into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem during the month of Ramadan, set to begin March 10, maintaining similar numbers of entries as in previous years.
Young West Bank Palestinians in their 20s or 30s might not be allowed to enter — or allowed only if they have special permission — as has been the case in some prior years. Israeli authorities have not yet offered any details on that.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected earlier this week demands by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to limit the entry of Muslim worshipers, including Arab Israelis, to the site, stating that freedom of worship will be maintained under the same security parameters implemented in previous years. A security assessment will reexamine the situation anew every week throughout the holy month.
Praying at Al-Aqsa in past years
