This morning, Palestinians from the West Bank tried to attend the first Juma prayer of the month of Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, but many were prevented from entering at checkpoints.
Reuters footage showed long lines of people waiting to pass, while Israeli security forces increased their presence on the ground.
At the Qalandia checkpoint, between Ramallah and Jerusalem, elderly men, women and families with children waited for permission to enter, while members of the Israeli forces monitored the situation behind the barricades.
The Israeli authorities previously announced that a maximum of 10,000 believers from the West Bank will be able to enter Jerusalem. Men over 55, women over 50 and children under 12 accompanied by close family members may enter with a previously obtained permit.
Israel restricts Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa Mosque on the first Friday of Ramadan
Authorities will allow no more than 10,000 West Bank Palestinians, far fewer than in previous years
Reporters covering the event at the Qalandiya checkpoint were also harassed by the IDF pic.twitter.com/FjNQydWewc
— RT (@RT_com) February 20, 2026
However, many worshipers claim they were turned back even though they met the requirements or applied for entry.
– I came to pray in Al-Aqsa because I miss it, but they told me to go back because I don’t have a permit – said 75-year-old Jamal Salah, while 71-year-old Nadi Sabarneh pointed out that he had been waiting for this opportunity for a year, but was denied entry.
Les forces d’occupation #Israéliennes renforcent les restrictions et limitent l’accès des #Palestiniens à la mosque Al-Aqsa à #Jerusalem occupée, en ce premier vendredi du #Ramadan.
Images du point de contrôle de #Qalandiaau Nord de #Jerusalem. pic.twitter.com/edenufUNRX
— Error 404 (@ReportNewsGaza) February 20, 2026
The situation caused disappointment among worshipers who were hoping to attend Ramadan prayers at the holy complex.
(Vijesti.ba)
