From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
COGAT announces conditions for West Bank Palestinians’ entry to Jerusalem during Ramadan
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The military’s liaison to the Palestinians announces Israel’s entry restrictions for West Bank Palestinians to Jerusalem during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In a Facebook post, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) says that men above the age of 55, women above the age of 50, and children up to the age of 10 will be allowed to enter Israel to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Fridays.
Worshipers will need a valid permit from COGAT, subject to security approval, and there may be changes per fresh assessments of the situation and other developments.
COGAT does not say if West Bank Palestinians can visit Jerusalem between Sundays and Thursdays during Ramadan.
Unlike previous years, due to the war, Gazan Palestinians will not be permitted to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel will not reduce the number of worshipers allowed to pray on the Temple Mount during Ramadan, amid concerns over efforts by Hamas and its backer Iran to stir up violence at the flashpoint site and in Jerusalem.
