Jerusalem Governorate Warns Against Israeli Measures Against Al-Aqsa Mosque During Ramadan

The Jerusalem Governorate warned against the systematic restrictions that the Israeli occupation authorities intend to impose on the access of worshippers from the West Bank governorates to the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan. These restrictions include limiting the number of worshippers to no more than ten thousand on Fridays.

The restrictions also include age limits, restricting access to men over 55 and women over 50, in flagrant violation of the freedom of worship guaranteed by international conventions and laws. This constitutes an attempt to transform an inherent religious right into a privilege subject to security conditions imposed by the occupying power.

In a statement carried by the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) on Tuesday evening, the Governorate affirmed that these measures are an integral part of the plan to Judaize and annex Jerusalem, isolating it from its Palestinian surroundings. They represent an attempt to impose unilateral realities by force of occupation that undermine the historical and legal status quo of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

She stressed that all occupation measures in Jerusalem and against its Islamic and Christian holy sites are null and void and illegal under international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.