Key Points
3,000 police officers deployed across Jerusalem for Ramadan prayers
Restricted access for West Bank Palestinians
Heightened security measures at checkpoints
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has been a sensitive site holy to both Muslims and Jews and a long-time focal point of tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, particularly during Ramadan.
Last month, Israeli media reported that security agencies plan to restrict access to the site, allowing only 10,000 Palestinians from the West Bank to enter for Friday prayers, contingent upon prior approval. Palestinian prisoners released under the Gaza ceasefire deal will not be granted entry.
A police spokesperson stated that additional reinforcements would be stationed at checkpoints around the city's perimeter, in East Jerusalem, and within the Old City this upcoming Friday. Security forces aim to prevent "hostile elements from exploiting Ramadan for incitement, disturbances, terrorism, or any form of violence."
Police have advised drivers to use alternative routes because some key roads near the Old City will be closed to traffic from 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. local time (0400-1330 GMT) on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.
According to the status quo that governs the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to the Jews as the Temple Mount, non-Muslims can visit the site only during limited periods of time and are not officially allowed to pray there.
