Khaberni - The Central Command of the Israeli Occupation Army stated that they have completed their preparations for the first Friday prayer in Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in what was described as a "tense" period, according to Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth".
According to the newspaper, the Israeli army will adopt a special magnetic card that must be swiped at security checkpoints by everyone passing from the West Bank to the Al-Aqsa Mosque— in Jerusalem— at specific areas near their residence.
The newspaper added, "The Israeli police will be informed of the details of anyone who does not return, and immediate penalties will be imposed on them."
The newspaper "Maariv" mentioned that the preparations in the Central Command "come in anticipation of frictions at the crossings and religious sites," adding, "This is about Rachel's Crossing, Qalandia crossing, and the Ibrahimi Mosque area, where large gatherings are expected."
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported on Thursday that the army is monitoring a state of simmering anger among Palestinians in the West Bank due to the ongoing Israeli restrictions on access to Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during the month of Ramadan, despite the end of the war and the return of Israeli prisoners from Gaza.
Channel 12 of Israel reported that more than 3,000 Israeli policemen will be deployed in Jerusalem, in preparation for the first Friday prayer of Ramadan, adding, "It is expected that the roads surrounding the Old City will be closed to private vehicle traffic."
As part of the restrictions on worshippers during the month of Ramadan, Israel announced that it would allow 10,000 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank to perform the Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque weekly during Ramadan, tightening restrictions on who will be allowed to enter the mosque.
Entry will be limited to men aged 55 and above, women aged 50 and above, and children up to the age of 12 from the West Bank when accompanied by a first-degree relative.
