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Israeli Forces Tighten Restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque for Ramadan

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Israeli forces have intensified restrictions around Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque as Ramadan begins.
About 80,000 Muslim worshippers attended the first Friday prayers despite limits.
Thousands were turned away at checkpoints.
A cap of 10,000 Palestinian worshippers from the West Bank was allowed for weekly prayers.
The Jerusalem Governorate reported over 300 orders barring local residents from entering the mosque during Ramadan.

History

Historical Context

The Oslo Accords of 1994 aimed to establish frameworks for Palestinian self-governance, impacting access to Al-Aqsa Mosque. Despite limited representation, restrictions persisted, allowing only 10,000 worshippers weekly. Today, intensified limitations during Ramadan, barring 80,000 worshippers, reflect ongoing tensions over religious access and sovereignty, underscoring the need for future negotiations to address these critical issues for peace.

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Story summary

Israeli forces have intensified restrictions around Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque as Ramadan begins.
About 80,000 Muslim worshippers attended the first Friday prayers despite limits.
Thousands were turned away at checkpoints.
A cap of 10,000 Palestinian worshippers from the West Bank was allowed for weekly prayers.
The Jerusalem Governorate reported over 300 orders barring local residents from entering the mosque during Ramadan.

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