As Ramadan approaches every year, Palestinians from the West Bank are eager to visit Jerusalem to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, but this religious practice is subject to strict conditions imposed by the Israeli occupation. One of the main requirements is obtaining a permit to enter 'Israel', which necessitates the prior issuance of a 'magnetic card'. This process transforms the simple act of worship into a bureaucratic procedure that requires prior security approval.

The magnetic card contains a magnetic strip linked to the holder's personal data and must be obtained from Israeli civil administration offices, necessitating physical presence and fingerprinting. With this card, Palestinians can then apply for entry permits into Jerusalem, which they must present at military checkpoints. The card effectively acts as proof that the holder has no prohibitions against entering 'Israel', provided they possess the necessary permit, which can now be obtained electronically as long as the card remains valid.

This system illustrates the significant hurdles Palestinians face in exercising their religious freedoms, as the need for bureaucratic approval complicates what should be a straightforward pilgrimage. Through the lens of these administrative requirements, the article sheds light on the broader implications of the Israeli occupation on the rights and daily lives of Palestinians during significant times, such as Ramadan.