Israel blocks Palestinians from attending Ramadan Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
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Israel has significantly restricted Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, allowing only 10,000 Palestinians from the West Bank to enter—far fewer than the hundreds of thousands who typically attend. The move has caused widespread frustration and long queues at checkpoints like Qalandiya near Ramallah, with many Palestinians turned away despite holding permits. This year’s restrictions are particularly notable as they come during Ramadan, a time of deep religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
The new measures have been met with criticism, as they severely limit the ability
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026