Israel says still reviewing access to Al Aqsa over Ramadan
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Al-Aqsa Mosque sits on a hilltop in Jerusalem's Old City in a compound also revered by Jews as the site of their temples of biblical times.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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JERUSALEM - Israel is reviewing possible curbs on access to Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem over the upcoming Ramadan fasting month, a government spokesperson said after media reports that the far-right minister for police might be overruled on the issue.
Al Aqsa, Islam’s third-holiest shrine, is a focus of Palestinian statehood hopes.
The site is also revered by Jews as vestige of their two ancient temples. Israeli controls on access have often stoked political friction
Israel has imposed restrictions in the past, saying that doing so prevents violence.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said last week there would be a quota for members of Israel’s 18 per cent Muslim minority who wish to take part in peace prayers at Al Aqsa.
That would compound the clampdown Israel has already placed on Palestinians since Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct 7
But Israel’s top-rated Channel 12 TV reported on Feb 28 that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would overrule Mr Ben-Gvir.
“The specific issue of prayer on the Temple Mount, in Al Aqsa, is currently still under discussion by the cabinet,” government spokesperson Avi Hyman said in a briefing on Feb 29.
He added that a final decision would take security and public health, as well as the freedom of worship, into account.
A Ben-Gvir spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
On Feb 28, Mr Ben-Gvir posted on X that any attempt to override his authority would amount to a “capitulation to terror”, and urged Mr Netanyahu to deny the Channel 12 report. REUTERS
