The occupation imposed restrictions on worshipers at Al-Aqsa Mosque coinciding with its escalation campaigns in the West Bank (Al-Jazeera)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said - today, Tuesday - that worshipers will be allowed to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, in the first week of Ramadan, in a number similar to what was the case in previous years.

The office added - in a statement - that the agreement was reached during a meeting with senior security officials to discuss the necessary preparations before the advent of the month of Ramadan, without providing a specific number for worshipers.

The statement added, "During the first week of Ramadan, worshipers will be allowed to enter the Temple Mount (the name used by Jews to refer to the Temple Mount) in a similar number to what was the case in previous years."

He added, "A security assessment will be conducted every week and a decision will be made based on that."

Erdogan warns

This Israeli decision coincides with statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan - today - in which he stressed that Israel will face “severe consequences” if it prevents Palestinian Muslims from entering the holy places during the holy month of Ramadan.

Erdogan said during a joint press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara, "We convey our messages to the relevant authorities regarding the need to prevent provocations before the next month of Ramadan."

He added, "The demands of extremist Israeli politicians to restrict Muslims' access to the Holy Mosque are complete nonsense. There is no doubt that the consequences of taking such a step will be dire."

Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had proposed preventing West Bank Palestinians from entering Jerusalem to pray during Ramadan.

He said in a comment on the X platform - following the government statement issued today - that “Hamas’ celebrations on the Temple Mount contradict complete victory.”

Last week, Washington called on Israel to "facilitate the peaceful arrival of believers to the Temple Mount during Ramadan, in accordance with previous practices."

It is noteworthy that the occupation authorities have escalated their measures against worshipers at the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, especially during Fridays, as they prevent thousands of them from reaching its courtyards, in parallel with the raids and arrest campaigns they have launched in the towns and cities of the West Bank since October 7, 2023.

Source: Agencies