On the first Friday of Ramadan, thousands of worshippers aimed to gather at Al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers, but Israeli forces imposed strict new restrictions that limited access to the holy site. Authorities reported that many Palestinians were denied entry at the Qalandiya checkpoint, under the pretext that the quota of 10,000 people had been reached. This resulted in significant frustration among those hoping to participate in the prayers, and social media platforms were filled with grievances from those affected.

The situation escalated at various entry points around occupied Jerusalem, where a heavy military presence and numerous checkpoints created obstacles for worshippers. Military forces conducted identity checks and enforced the limitations strictly, leading to large crowds queuing at the Qalandiya checkpoint, as many were unable to gain access to the mosque. Reports from Palestinian news agencies highlighted that elderly individuals were turned away due to not having the necessary permits to enter the mosque, underscoring the challenges for those seeking to worship during this significant time.

The new restrictions, which include a limit of 10,000 worshippers each week from the West Bank on Fridays only, and a requirement for special permits along with age limitations that restrict entry for men above 55 and women above 50, reflect ongoing tensions in the region. These measures appear to further exacerbate the divide and highlight the restrictions placed on Palestinians during religious observances, prompting widespread denunciation from community members and international observers on the impact of such policies on freedom of worship and movement.