Al-Aqsa Mosque remains closed in Ramadan, will stay shut for Eid as well

There is no good news for Palestinians even as the holy Eid-ul-Fitr approaches. Israel has decided to keep the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem closed during the upcoming Eid and beyond.

According to a special report by Middle East Eye, Israeli authorities have already informed the Islamic Waqf authorities responsible for maintaining Al-Aqsa of this decision. The unprecedented strict measure has reportedly been taken using the ongoing war with Iran as a pretext.

Access to Al-Aqsa Mosque has been severely restricted over the past few weeks. Only 25 Waqf staff are allowed inside per shift. Even a request to hire an additional staff member for the manuscript department was rejected by Israeli police. Instead, threats were made that if any additional Muslim personnel entered, Jewish settlers would be permitted regular access.

For the first time since the occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, Palestinians are unable to perform Jumu'ah prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan. On the holy night of Shab-e-Qadr (Lailatul Qadr), hundreds of police were deployed to prevent worshippers from reaching the mosque. Consequently, thousands of devout individuals were forced to pray standing in the streets of the Old City, a profoundly heart-wrenching scene.

The atmosphere in the Old City is now tense. Al-Aqsa and its surrounding vibrant markets lie deserted. Israeli authorities are only allowing residents of the Old City to move around, turning the entire area into a besieged fortress. Yet, just a few metres outside these walls, normal life continues – a reflection, locals believe, of Israel's discriminatory policies.

Dr Mustafa Abu Sway, a member of the Islamic Waqf Council, said, "The Old City has never been sealed off like this before. If the reason were a lack of security, worshippers could have been allowed shelter in the vast halls beneath Al-Aqsa, which can accommodate thousands. But it's now clear the main objective is to prevent worship."

Waqf officials fear Israel is attempting to make these 'temporary' restrictions permanent. Allegations have emerged that Israeli forces have installed surveillance cameras inside the mosque and within the Dome of the Rock. Tel Aviv is reportedly seeking to establish full control and round-the-clock intelligence surveillance over this holiest Muslim site.

Eight Muslim-majority countries have already strongly condemned Israel's move. According to them, Israel has no sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque, and this unreasonable ban is a gross violation of international law. The international community views this situation as an infringement on Palestinians' religious freedom and a conspiracy to alter the long-standing 'status quo'.