The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said: "The security establishment is raising the alert level in several areas with the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan starting this morning, with a special focus on Jerusalem, the West Bank areas, and the seam line (the border between the Palestinian territories and Israel)."
She added that this comes "in anticipation of possible clashes (with the Palestinians) at points of tension, and in parallel with the continuation of strict security assessments in light of regional tension, particularly with regard to Iran."
The authority added: “According to the data, the deployment plan includes significant reinforcements of police and border guards in the city of Jerusalem, especially in the vicinity of the Old City, its gates, the central traffic routes, and the vicinity of the Temple Mount.” It continued: “Preparations are underway for extreme scenarios with the deployment of thousands of security personnel in the field during the first days of Ramadan.”
She stated that "the Israeli army is deploying additional reinforcements to areas of friction in the West Bank, including units from the Commando Brigade, along with intensifying field activities and preemptive thwarting operations, with the aim of preventing the execution of operations."
In recent weeks, Israeli occupation authorities have escalated arrest campaigns and deportation orders in occupied East Jerusalem ahead of the month of Ramadan, according to a Palestinian human rights organization.
“Dangerous escalation”
In this context, the Jerusalem Governorate confirmed on Wednesday that extending the period of settlers’ incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque is a “dangerous escalation” and a “provocation to the feelings of Muslims.”
In a statement on Facebook, the governorate expressed its deep concern about the Israeli occupation authorities' decision to extend the period of settler incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque by an additional hour daily during the holy month of Ramadan.
She expressed her deep concern that this temporary measure would turn into a permanent policy extending beyond the month of Ramadan, considering this decision "a dangerous escalation that affects the historical and legal status quo in Al-Aqsa Mosque, and constitutes a blatant provocation to the feelings of Muslims in Jerusalem, Palestine and the entire world."
Israeli police have increased the morning incursions into Al-Aqsa by one hour, while canceling incursions after noon prayers.
According to a post by settler groups on social media platforms, the incursions during Ramadan will last for 5 hours daily, except for Friday and Saturday, between 6:30 and 11:30 AM, Jerusalem time.
Before Ramadan, the raids took place in two periods: mornings between 07:00 and 11:00, and 12:30 and 14:00 after the noon prayer.
Restricting prayer at Al-Aqsa
In contrast, Israel decided on Wednesday to restrict Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan, allowing only 10,000 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank to perform them, provided they obtain prior security clearance, according to the office the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Palestinian Territories.
During Ramadan and on Fridays, Al-Aqsa Mosque can accommodate between 350,000 and 400,000 worshippers, when all the courtyards, covered prayer areas and wooded areas are used.
“Men aged 55 and over, women aged 50 and over, and children up to the age of 12 will be allowed entry accompanied by a first-degree relative,” according to the Israeli office.
Every Ramadan, Israel imposes extensive security measures in and around occupied East Jerusalem, and announces strict restrictions on Palestinians entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Since the start of the war of extermination in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, the occupation, through its army and settlers, has intensified its attacks in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, including killing, demolishing homes and facilities, displacing Palestinians and expanding settlements.
