Strict Limits on Worshippers
Israel has imposed strict restrictions on Palestinian access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan. Israeli authorities announced that only 10,000 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank would be allowed entry, and only with special permits.
The number is significantly lower than in previous years, when hundreds of thousands gathered at one of Islam’s holiest sites during Ramadan. According to the rules, only children under 12, men over 55, and women aged 50 and above are eligible to apply for permits.
Israeli forces have blocked Al Jazeera and other networks as they filmed Palestinians waiting to travel to the Al Aqsa Mosque for the first Friday noon prayers of Ramadan.
Al Jazeera’s @nour_odeh was at the Qalandiya checkpoint when her broadcast was interrupted. pic.twitter.com/ib7xXPeqDq
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) February 20, 2026
Long Queues at Qalandiya Checkpoint
Hundreds of Palestinians gathered early at the Qalandiya checkpoint, which separates Ramallah from Jerusalem, hoping to cross and attend prayers. Reports indicated that by Friday morning, only about 2,000 Palestinians had managed to pass through the checkpoint. Israeli forces were said to be on high alert, with tightened security measures at crossing points between the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
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A Sharp Drop from Previous Years
In past Ramadan seasons, as many as 250,000 worshippers attended Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa. This year’s limit represents only a small fraction of that number. With an estimated 3.3 million Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank, many described the 10,000-person cap as extremely restrictive.
For many Palestinians, praying at Al-Aqsa during Ramadan is a deeply rooted religious and cultural tradition, making the restrictions especially significant.
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