West Bank & Jerusalem
Jerusalem warns of new restrictions at Al-Aqsa during Jewish holidays
West Bank & JerusalemGraphic: Times of Palestine
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Jerusalem's provincial administration has warned of potential exploitation of the Jewish holiday season to impose new conditions at Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Ma'an Wire reported. Officials cautioned that the upcoming period could be used to alter access arrangements, enforcement practices, or operational protocols at the sacred site without prior consultation or agreement.
The warning reflects years of tension over management and visitation policies at the mosque, particularly during significant religious observances when security presence intensifies. Jewish holidays typically bring increased foot traffic to Jerusalem's Old City, prompting enhanced checkpoint procedures and restrictions on movement. Authorities expressed concern that such periods have historically been used to introduce measures that become difficult to reverse or challenge once established as precedent.
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