Full Breakdown
Growing Exclusion Orders Tighten Israeli Control Over Al-Aqsa
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Expanded Exclusion Orders Target Palestinian Worshippers
Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, head of the Higher Islamic Council in Jerusalem, has been barred from Al-Aqsa for more than two years. The latest exclusion order, issued on October 20, extends the ban on his prayers and sermons until April 2027. Sabri says the measure is “unjust, illegal, inhumane and uncivilised.” He and other worshippers, such as Ibrahim al-Natsheh, report repeated detentions, fines and the threat of imprisonment for entering the Old City. Al-Natsheh says he has lost count of the orders he has received, which began about nine years ago after a crackdown on Islamic study circles at the mosque.
Watch
Related reporting
brightcove
A week of Israel’s lockdown in Hebron: What’s happened, when will it end?
02
Background and Recent Restrictions
Following the United States-Israel war on Iran that began on February 28, Israeli police closed Al-Aqsa to most worshippers for 40 days, reopening the compound on April 9. Since then, restrictions have intensified, especially ahead of Jewish holidays, when police issue warnings and increase the presence of soldiers and settlers at the site.
03
Official Statements & Responses
Sheikh Ekrima Sabri argues that the orders aim to diminish the Palestinian presence while enabling large-scale settler incursions. Ma’rouf al-Rifai, adviser to the Jerusalem Governorate, says the Islamic Waqf’s role is being eroded: police have barred Waqf officials from escorting Jewish groups, reduced the morning guard shift from roughly 50 officers to fewer than 15, and prevented restoration work at the Bab al-Rahma prayer hall. Al-Rifai warns that proposals to allow Jewish visitors on Saturdays and to divide access could fundamentally alter the long-standing status-quo.
04
Data & Statistics
- The Wadi Hilweh Information Center reports more than 1,000 exclusion orders issued against Palestinians in 2026.
- Over 40 orders were issued in a five-day span in early September.
- The Jerusalem Governorate records about 28,000 settler visits to Al-Aqsa between July and September.
- Guard numbers on the morning shift have fallen from approximately 50 to fewer than 15.
05
Verbatim Quotes
“These measures are aimed at diminishing the Palestinian presence at the mosque, while simultaneously allowing settlers to carry out incursions in large numbers,” — Sheikh Ekrima Sabri