As per reports, Itamar Ben Gvir, the Israeli Minister of National Security, stated on Tuesday (20 February), that Israel will put a limit on the number of its Muslim citizens allowed to perform Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, citing fears that the site will witness protests against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war.

• The Minster further stated that his attempt to prevent most Muslim citizens from performing Friday prayers during the month of Ramadan was rejected by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but at the same time, he emphasized that a maximum limit of between 40 and 50 thousand people would be imposed.
• The aforementioned restrictions have reportedly led to condemnations from Israeli Arab leaders, including opposition members of the Israeli Knesset Ahmed Tibi. Further, the Hamas group also denounced the proposed restrictions and the top Palestinian Islamic council called on all Muslims to visit Al Aqsa regardless.
• Additionally, Israeli security forces have posted signs in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber on Tuesday (20 February) warning residents against participating in violence or other disturbances around the Al-Aqsa compound atop Temple Mount during the upcoming month of Ramadan.