Metropolis Desk-
Under the forthcoming holy month, Israel will permit Ramadan prayers at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque, with restrictions determined by security requirements, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday.
The chief Islamic council of Palestine, Hamas, Israel’s principal adversary in the Gaza War, condemned the proposed prohibitions and urged Muslims worldwide to visit Al Aqsa despite them.
One of the holiest places on earth for Muslims, Al Aqsa, is located in Jerusalem’s Old City on a hilltop in a complex that is also treasured by Jews as the location of their biblical temples.
Access rules to the website have always caused problems, especially around holidays like Ramadan, which starts on March 10 this year. Israel has previously implemented limitations, typically barring younger worshipers, because doing so would stop the violence.
Regarding the potential to prevent Israeli Muslims from entering Al Aqsa, the spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “The prime minister made a balanced decision to allow freedom of worship within the security needs determined by professionals.”
It provided no other information.
Netanyahu is facing pressure from both his coalition’s far-right allies, who want more severe restrictions, and regional nations that want to maintain the status quo.
Hardline cabinet member and minister of national security Itamar Ben Gvir predicted that anti-Israel activists would seize the occasion to instigate violence and demonstrate sympathy for the Hamas leadership.
“The entry of tens of thousands of haters in a victory celebration on the Temple Mount is a security threat to Israel,” stated Ben Gvir.
Calling for “everyone who can reach the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque to travel to it and protect it” was the Supreme Fatwa Council, the highest body within the Palestinian Islamic community.
“Reject this criminal decision, resist the occupation’s arrogance and insolence, and mobilize to stand firm and steadfast in Al Aqsa Mosque,” Hamas declared about the Palestinian people.
Israeli police and Palestinians engaged in combat at the mosque during Ramadan in April of last year. In 2021 and 2022, there was also violent disturbance at the location.
Source- CNN
