First Friday of Ramadan: Limited Palestinian Access to Al-Aqsa

Jerusalem – Muslim worshipers gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, amid heightened security and restricted access for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank.

Israeli authorities allowed a limited number of older Palestinians and children to enter Jerusalem for prayers, but many others faced travel restrictions. The measures come amid ongoing tensions, with human rights groups urging greater freedom of worship during the holy month.

As Ramadan continues, will restrictions ease, or will tensions rise further?