Reported by James Mackenzie
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Ahead of nightfall, Jerusalem is bracing for potential unrest as tensions simmer over a Gaza ceasefire standoff and ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank. On the first Friday of Ramadan, a limited number of older Palestinians were granted access to the city, under strict conditions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that older Muslim worshippers from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including men over 55 and women over 50, as well as children under 12, would be permitted to enter the al-Aqsa mosque for Friday prayers. Situated in Jerusalem’s Old City, the mosque, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, holds significant religious importance for both communities and has historically been a flashpoint for clashes.
The Palestinian Authority condemned any restrictions on worshippers’ access to the mosque, arguing that such limitations contravene Israel’s obligations as an occupying power. Against the backdrop of a delicate truce in Gaza, negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain in flux, with the fate of 59 hostages and the completion of Israel’s withdrawal from the region uncertain.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli forces have been conducting operations in refugee camps, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents. This crackdown, targeting alleged Iranian-backed militant groups, has escalated tensions in the region.
Amid these developments, Jerusalem saw heightened police presence on Friday, although no major incidents were reported. Palestinian worshippers, such as Hussein al-Far from Tulkarm, expressed relief at being able to visit the al-Aqsa mosque after years of restricted access. However, entry into the mosque compound remained subject to police approval, even for those meeting the age criteria.
As the night unfolds, the city remains on edge, with the possibility of further unrest hanging in the air.
“Permitted,” she stated, according to James Mackenzie’s report, edited by Mark Heinrich.
