Israel: Al-Aqsa off-limits for Jews until Ramadan ends

ALBAWABA - Israel announced that Jews would not be allowed to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque until the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that starting on Wednesday, Jews will not be allowed entry into Al-Aqsa Mosque until the end of Ramadan.

The decision came after the prime minister and a group of army and security chiefs conducted a comprehensive evaluation on the security situation in Israel.

Following the evaluation, Netanyahu instructed his security apparatus to facilitate all procedures for the arrival of settlers to the Al-Buraq Wall.

It was also decided to prevent settlers from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque in the last 10 days of Ramadan.

According to Israeli media outlets, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who participated in the evaluation, opposed the latest decision, describing it as a "grave mistake."

Last week, Jewish groups called for a large-scale storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which has been historically a flashpoint, on the occasion of Passover.

The incursions into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, assaults on worshipers, and the arrest of Palestinians last week escalated tension and violence in the Israeli-occupied territories. That was followed by rocket attacks from Lebanon and the Gaza Strip on Israeli cities.