Israel Ramadan Access Restrictions: Tensions Rise in Jerusalem
Israeli security forces escort Jewish visitors at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known as the Temple Mount complex to Jews, in Jerusalem on April 9, 2023, coinciding with the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday.
Image Credit: Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images
Jewish visitors, under the protection of Israeli security forces, navigate the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, also referred to as the Temple Mount complex, in Jerusalem during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday.
The Heightened Tensions Surrounding Ramadan in Jerusalem
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan brings heightened tensions to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, a sacred site for hundreds of thousands of worshipers during this period. The recent proposal for new restrictions on entry to the site, revered by both Muslims and Jews, by Israel’s far-right national security minister has exacerbated tensions. This proposal comes amidst Israel’s conflict in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties following a deadly attack by Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet rejected the controversial plan put forth by Itamar Ben-Gvir, which aims to further limit access to the mosque, particularly for Palestinian residents from the occupied West Bank. Ben-Gvir, an ultra-nationalist member of Netanyahu’s cabinet, advocates for stringent restrictions to safeguard against potential risks, emphasizing the need to prevent entry from the Palestinian Authority.
The proposed restrictions include barring Palestinians with Israeli citizenship under the age of 70 from visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan. Netanyahu’s office has acknowledged considering Ben-Gvir’s suggestions but has not finalized any concrete plans. The office stated that any reports suggesting harsher restrictions are misleading, reflecting concerns about potential unrest during this sensitive period.
International Pressures and Humanitarian Concerns
Amid mounting international pressure, Israel faces calls to refrain from expanding its offensive into Rafah, a densely populated city where numerous Palestinians seek refuge from the conflict in Gaza. The escalating violence has resulted in a significant death toll, with thousands killed since the conflict’s onset, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel.
Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza before Ramadan to avoid further escalation. The prospect of a full-scale land invasion of Rafah raises grave humanitarian concerns, with warnings of a catastrophic impact on the civilian population.
The United States emphasizes the need for Israel to devise a credible plan for evacuating the Palestinians in Rafah before initiating any military operation. Tensions in the West Bank have also intensified, marked by increased attacks by Jewish settlers against Palestinians, further fueling unrest and discontent.
Controversy Surrounding Israel Ramadan Access Restrictions
The proposed Ben-Gvir plan has sparked outrage among individuals like Rauf Abu Nab, who view it as a threat to their access to the third holiest site in Islam, following Mecca and Medina. As a resident of Jerusalem, Abu Nab typically attends prayers at the mosque but fears that this plan would hinder his ability to do so.
Expressing his concerns, Abu Nab, a 65-year-old Jerusalem resident, criticized the plan, stating, “He will not be able to implement this. He is destroying the whole image of Israel.” He made these remarks as he departed from Silwan, an East Jerusalem neighborhood situated near the Al-Aqsa compound.
In the past, Israel has implemented various restrictions on access to the compound, including barring tourists and Jewish Israelis from entering during Ramadan in the years leading up to 2000.
In 2022, new restrictions were enforced, limiting access for most men over 40 from the West Bank. However, Israeli security forces permitted women and young children from the occupied West Bank to enter Jerusalem without requiring a permit.
Concerns in Jerusalem Over Israel Ramadan Access Restrictions
Ben-Gvir’s recent propositions have stirred unease in Jerusalem. Mustafa Abu Sway, a member of the Al-Aqsa Mosque advisory council, expressed disappointment at the political exploitation of the compound. He criticized the use of the mosque as a tool for right-wing extremism, labeling it as a twisted form of nationalism.
Abu Sway emphasized that Al Aqsa should remain detached from internal Israeli politics. He highlighted the historical context, citing Ariel Sharon’s visit in September 2000, which triggered the Second Intifada, a period of prolonged unrest.
Shin Bet officials declined to comment on the national security minister’s proposals, while Hamas denounced the potential restrictions, urging Palestinians to resist any prohibitions on accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Opposition members within the Israeli government, including Knesset member Ahmad Tibi and Labor Party’s Gilad Kariv, criticized Ben-Gvir and Netanyahu for inciting tensions among Palestinians and endangering Israeli citizens’ security.
Potential Ramifications of Israel Ramadan Access Restrictions
Abu Sway warned that preventing Muslims from praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque could lead to future conflicts. Abeer Zayyad, an expert on the mosque, highlighted a historical pattern of increasing restrictions on access, causing concerns among Muslims about the site’s changing status.
Zayyad emphasized that the issue goes beyond mere numbers, indicating a deeper sentiment of exclusion. She expressed apprehension that implementing Ben-Gvir’s plan could escalate into a perilous situation, causing global and Israeli concerns.
"Limitations on Israel Ramadan access"
