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Israel allowed a handful number of Muslims over 50 years of age from the West Bank to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on the first Friday of the holy month of Ramzan.
A statement said a “limited number of Muslim worshippers” would be admitted in line with last year’s arrangement starting on Friday without specifying a number.
Reacting to Israel’s order, the Palestinian Authority that restrictions on worshippers trying to enter the mosque for prayers is a violation of Israel’s responsibilities as an occupying power.
Who are allowed?
Those allowed are men age 55 and older, women age 50 and older and children up to age 12. They must also pass security screening.
The Israeli statement also emphasised that there is no limitation regarding Israeli Arabs, meaning that the restrictions are only imposed on Muslims coming from the West Bank.
In recent years, Israeli authorities have regularly restricted access to the mosque compound, citing security needs.
Importance of Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Al-Aqsa lies at the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City on a hill known to Jews as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, and to Muslims internationally as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary.
Muslims regard the site as the third holiest in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. Al-Aqsa is the name given to the whole compound and is home to two Muslim holy places: the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as the Qibli Mosque, which was built in the 8th century.
With inputs from Reuters
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