Tensions High in Jerusalem as Palestinians Mark First Friday of Ramadan

By Abdullahi Yusuf

A sense of unease gripped Jerusalem as Palestinians gathered for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, amid ongoing tensions over the Gaza ceasefire and an extended Israeli military campaign in the West Bank.

Under tight restrictions, a limited number of older Palestinians were allowed entry into the city. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that men over 55, women over 50, and children under 12 from the Israeli-occupied West Bank were granted access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site.

The mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, has long been a flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian clashes. The Palestinian Authority condemned the restrictions, calling them a violation of Israel’s responsibilities as an occupying power.

This year’s Ramadan comes during a fragile truce, with Israel and Hamas deeply divided over ongoing ceasefire negotiations. A Qatar- and Egypt-brokered deal previously saw Hamas release 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces also withdrew from some positions in Gaza.

However, the fate of the remaining 59 hostages remains unclear, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expected to visit the region for further talks. Meanwhile, Israel’s new military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, signalled readiness to resume combat operations in Gaza if ordered.

Israeli troops have intensified operations in the West Bank, targeting refugee camps, demolishing homes, and displacing tens of thousands. Israel claims the operations aim to root out Hamas fighters, but the destruction has fueled further unrest.

Despite heavy security in Jerusalem’s Old City on Friday, no major incidents were reported. Israeli police maintained a strong presence, with spokesman Dean Elsdunne stating they were ensuring the safety of worshippers.

For many Palestinians, simply reaching Al-Aqsa was an ordeal. Hussein al-Far, from the West Bank city of Tulkarm, said it was the first time in years he had been able to pray at the mosque. Others, like 65-year-old Ibtisam Abdul Fattah, were turned away at military checkpoints.

“We are in our land, but we are not allowed,” she said.

With tensions simmering and the ceasefire talks in limbo, the coming weeks of Ramadan may prove decisive for the region’s fragile stability.

– Business Recorder.

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