Israeli occupation authorities have deployed more than 3,000 police officers across occupied al-Quds and its surroundings in preparation for the first Friday prayers of the holy month of Ramadan, amid heightened tensions and sweeping restrictions on Palestinian worshippers.
According to the so-called Israeli Police’s al-Quds District, the deployment includes Border Police units and additional reinforcements, as part of a security plan that has been in effect since Wednesday. The forces are stationed throughout the city, at its entrances, and at military checkpoints.
The Central Command of the Israeli occupation forces announced it had completed its preparations for the first Friday prayers at AlAqsa Mosque during what it described as a “tense” period, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
Under the newly adopted measures, Palestinians from the occupied West Bank seeking to access Al Aqsa Mosque will be required to use a special magnetic card at designated checkpoints near their places of residence before being allowed to pass.
According to Maariv, Israeli authorities will monitor the data of individuals crossing into al-Quds, and anyone who fails to return within the permitted time frame will face “immediate penalties.” The report noted that preparations by the Central Command come amid expectations of possible confrontations at checkpoints and religious sites, particularly at the Rachel Crossing, the Qalandiya checkpoint, and the area surrounding the Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil, where large gatherings are anticipated.
Hamas calls for intensified presence at Al Aqsa
Meanwhile, Hamas urged Palestinians to increase their presence and vigilance at Al Aqsa Mosque to protect it from Israeli occupation plans and settler encroachments. The movement said the occupation deliberately humiliates worshippers through stringent military measures and ongoing violations.
In an official statement, Hamas described Israeli restrictions on access to al-Aqsa as a blatant violation of religious freedom and a clear attempt to impose a Judaization agenda on the holy site. The movement emphasized that the occupation’s continuous obstacles and efforts to reduce the number of worshippers at Al Aqsa will not succeed in breaking the resolve of the Palestinian people.
Rising Palestinian anger over restrictions
Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) reported on Thursday that occupation forces believe that anger is mounting among Palestinians in the West Bank due to continued Israeli restrictions on access to Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
The broadcaster noted that these measures persist despite the end of the war on Gaza and the return of Israeli captives, further fueling frustration among Palestinians who view the limitations as collective punishment and an infringement on their religious rights.
The intensified security presence and restrictive procedures reflect "Israel’s" continued policy of controlling Palestinian access to holy sites in occupied al-Quds, particularly during significant religious occasions.
Source:Websites
