Ramadan will begin this year around March 10, against the backdrop of the war between Israel and Hamas. The situation is explosive, particularly in Jerusalem. Against the advice of security officials, the Israeli government decides to limit access to the Mosques Esplanade.
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With our correspondent in Jerusalem, Michael Paul
It is an annual meeting point. Ramadan, the holiest month in the Muslim calendar, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and its esplanade, the 3rd holiest place in Islam. A particularly explosive mixture. The Israeli security cabinet decided on Sunday evening, February 18, to impose restrictions on the access of Muslim worshipers this year.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thus accedes at the requests of Itamar Ben Gvirthe Minister of National Security, for the Palestinians of the West Bank, the inhabitants of East Jerusalem and for the first time also for the Israeli Arabs wishing to participate in the prayers.
A dangerous decision that risks igniting the entire region
At this stage, the selection criteria, including the age of the faithful and their place of residence, have not been made public. For the police, the army and the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, this is a dangerous decision that risks inflaming the entire region. The Arab parties speak of a new provocation from the supremacist Ben Gvir.
“ He is the real Prime Minister », underlines a commentator. “ This is Hamas’ dream that will come true: Palestinians of all sides will unite », Estimates an editorialist. For the left-wing daily Haaretzit is a political farce that risks turning into a tragedy.
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