- Over 90,000 worshippers attended Al-Aqsa Mosque’s first Friday prayers of Ramadan
- Israel enforced age-based entry restrictions for West Bank Palestinians
- Fragile ceasefire holds as Gaza faces severe aid shortages and infrastructure damage
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem witnessed a significant gathering of nearly 90,000 Palestinian worshippers for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan. Israeli authorities imposed stringent security measures, permitting entry only to West Bank residents aged over 55 for men and 50 for women. This marks the first large-scale access since October 2023, when Israel halted crossings following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In Gaza, communities held prayers amidst rubble, including at Gaza City’s partially destroyed Imam Shafi’i Mosque. Aid groups organized communal iftar meals near tent camps, though Israel’s recent blockade on food and medicine deliveries has exacerbated humanitarian challenges. The UN reports that over 85% of Gaza’s population now relies on aid for survival, with malnutrition rates surpassing 30% in northern regions.
A regional case study emerged at the Qalandia checkpoint, where hundreds of West Bank Palestinians were denied entry despite permits. Mohammed Owaisat, a resident of Jenin, described chaotic scenes as Israeli forces closed gates without explanation. Meanwhile, worshippers like Nafez Abu Saker emphasized the spiritual significance of Al-Aqsa, despite arduous journeys through military checkpoints.
The fragile ceasefire, active since mid-January, remains threatened by stalled negotiations. Hamas insists on Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza and adherence to the initial hostage exchange terms, while Israel demands the release of remaining captives before discussing long-term truces. Egyptian mediators continue efforts to bridge gaps, but aid organizations warn that delays could deepen Gaza’s famine risks.
Historical tensions surrounding the Al-Aqsa compound persist, with clashes often erupting between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli police. The site’s significance to both Muslims and Jews underscores its political sensitivity, particularly amid ongoing settlement expansions in the West Bank. Analysts suggest that Ramadan could either ease hostilities or ignite further violence, depending on access policies and regional diplomacy.
