In a significant escalation, Israeli forces have closed access points surrounding Jerusalem, effectively barring worshippers from the West Bank from reaching the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Simultaneously, hundreds of police and military personnel have been deployed at checkpoints around the mosque, allowing only 10,000 Palestinians over the age of fifty to enter. These individuals were granted special permits and could only access the mosque during designated hours for Friday prayers.Furthermore their transportation was strictly regulated requiring the use of special buses under heavy Israeli security escort. This move has raised concerns about the ongoing restrictions on religious freedoms during the holy month.