Israel is implementing security protocols for Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, balancing access for Muslim worshippers with security concerns in what has historically been a period of heightened tensions at the contested holy site.
According to HonestReporting, an Israeli media monitoring organization, authorities are coordinating with Jordanian religious authorities who administer the site under longstanding agreements. The measures include age restrictions for men during Friday prayers and enhanced police presence in the Old City.
For Palestinians, Ramadan access to Al-Aqsa—the third-holiest site in Islam—represents a fundamental religious right that Israeli security measures often restrict. Palestinian officials and religious leaders have historically objected to age-based entry limitations and security screenings as infringements on worship freedom.
In Israel, as across contested regions, security concerns and aspirations for normalcy exist in constant tension. Past Ramadan periods have seen clashes between worshippers and police, sometimes escalating into wider unrest across Jerusalem and the West Bank. The 2021 Ramadan tensions contributed to an eleven-day conflict between Israel and Gaza.
Israeli security officials argue that restrictions respond to specific intelligence about potential violence and cite incidents where the mosque compound has been used to stockpile stones and other projectiles. Palestinian advocates counter that heavy security presence itself creates tensions and provocations.
The Jordanian Waqf, which administers the site, occupies a delicate position mediating between Israeli security demands and Palestinian access needs. Jordan's role stems from the 1994 peace treaty with Israel and gives Amman religious authority even as Israel maintains overall security control.
The annual Ramadan arrangements reflect the broader complexities of Jerusalem's status, where religious, national, and security issues intersect at sites sacred to multiple faiths. The Old City contains holy sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam within less than one square kilometer, making security and access arrangements perpetually contentious.
Previous years have seen varying approaches, with more permissive access during periods of relative calm and tighter restrictions following security incidents. The effectiveness of different approaches remains debated, with some arguing that facilitating worship reduces tensions while others maintain that security measures prevent violence.
