The Israeli government has made a crucial decision regarding access to the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan. In a move aimed at reducing tensions at a site that has been a longstanding flashpoint for unrest, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and security officials have opted against imposing new restrictions on worshipers entering the mosque compound.
Traditionally, Israel has limited access to the Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank. This year, there were calls from far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to also impose restrictions on Arab citizens of Israel. However, the decision made on Tuesday rejected this proposal, allowing a similar number of worshipers to enter the compound as in previous years.
The mosque compound has been a frequent site of violent clashes, with incidents in May 2021 contributing to an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas. As Ramadan approaches and the current Israel-Hamas conflict continues, there are concerns about potential escalation at the site. President Joe Biden has warned of the dangers if a cease-fire deal is not reached by Ramadan.
The decision to maintain access to the mosque during Ramadan was praised by Arab Israeli member of the Knesset, Mansour Abbas, who commended the Prime Minister for allowing Muslim worshipers the freedom to practice their religion. However, there are dissenting voices, such as Mr. Ben-Gvir, who fear that this decision could undermine efforts to combat militant groups like Hamas.
Hamas, for its part, has condemned any Israeli restrictions on worship at the Aqsa Mosque and has called on Palestinians to turn the mosque into a site of confrontation during Ramadan. The site holds significant religious importance for both Muslims and Jews, with tens of thousands of Muslims visiting daily during Ramadan, while Jews revere it as the Temple Mount.
As tensions remain high in the region, the decision to maintain access to the Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan is seen as a step towards easing tensions and preventing further violence at this sensitive site.
