The Prime Minister’s office announced on Tuesday that Israel will permit Muslim worshippers to access Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem during the first week of Ramadan in numbers comparable to previous years. The statement noted that there will be ongoing security and safety assessments, with decisions made accordingly each week. Traditionally, tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers gather at Al-Aqsa mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.
This year’s Ramadan coincides with Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, initiated in response to a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7. The Israeli government has been evaluating how to manage worship in Jerusalem during Ramadan, set to begin on March 10 or 11, depending on the lunar calendar.
Recently, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, from the far-right, expressed opposition to allowing Palestinian residents of the West Bank to enter Jerusalem for prayers during Ramadan, citing security concerns. The United States subsequently called on Israel to permit Muslim worship at Al-Aqsa, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and its direct relevance to Israel’s security interests.
Despite these discussions, the Israeli government statement after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security meeting affirmed the sacred nature of Ramadan to Muslims, pledging to uphold its sanctity as in previous years. Hamas has called for a mass movement at Al-Aqsa during Ramadan. The situation will continue to be monitored, with weekly assessments shaping access to the holy site.
