PNN – Sheikh “Ikrimah Sabri”, Imam and Khateeb of Al-Aqsa Mosque, pointed out the Zionist regime’s severe restrictions on the presence of Palestinian fasting people in Al-Aqsa Mosque and performing religious rituals during the holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing: Despite all the restrictions, the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque will continue to be a haven for performing Ramadan rituals and a destination for worshippers.
In an interview with Al-Ahed website, Sheikh Sabri said about the situation in the occupied city of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan: The Israeli occupation authorities have issued orders prohibiting more than a hundred Palestinian youth from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque. These measures against Palestinian youth are specifically aimed at emptying Al-Aqsa Mosque of their vibrant presence, especially during the month when it is expected to witness the peak of public attendance.
He added: In contrast, the Israeli occupation authorities have allowed extremist Zionists to storm the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque and perform Talmudic rituals, causing tension and agitating the feelings of worshippers.
Sheikh Sabri explained: The Israeli regime has allowed only 10,000 worshippers from the West Bank to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque, and has imposed strict conditions for this number to attend. The most important conditions are obtaining a security permit and being at least 55 years old.
He emphasized that Al-Aqsa Mosque can accommodate almost half a million worshippers, and the Zionist regime does not want to see hundreds of thousands of people in this holy mosque during the month of Ramadan, because this would practically indicate the attachment of Muslims to their own mosque.
Sheikh Sabri added: Palestinians in all areas are ready to go to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month, but hundreds of military checkpoints in the West Bank prevent their access to the occupied city of Jerusalem. This is part of a systematic policy by the Israeli regime to reduce the number of worshippers.
He explained: Breaking the fast in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a long-standing tradition that is celebrated by Palestinian families in Jerusalem and employees of the Islamic Endowments Department. This long-standing tradition has religious and social dimensions that strengthen the connection with Al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan.
Sheikh Sabri emphasized that preventing the entry of iftar offerings, including for endowment employees, is part of the occupiers’ efforts to reduce the manifestations of the collective presence of Muslims in Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Sheikh Ikrimah Sabri concluded by emphasizing: All the actions of the Israeli regime during the month of Ramadan are a direct violation of freedom of worship. These actions are an attempt to turn a genuine religious right into a privilege conditional on the will of the occupiers, but despite all the restrictive policies, Al-Aqsa Mosque will continue to be a haven for the rituals of this holy month and a destination for worshippers.