Tensions ignite as the start of Ramadan gives rise to potential violence throughout the Gaza Strip. Palestinian citizens grow more impatient as the prospect of a ceasefire diminishes, causing more civil unrest during this holy month. Hamas has encouraged citizens to visit al-Aqsa Mosque which is located in Jerusalem, a landmark that stays holy for both Jewish and Islamic religions. As Palestinians lose hope, the enjoyment of Ramadan traditions begins to fade. Currently, Israeli police forces are stationed outside the al-Aqsa mosque– monitoring the public’s access and instilling fear in citizens. Due to this sacred sight being well known for many religious conflicts, tight restrictions are being enforced which causes hostility to rise.

In response to the skepticism behind exceeding military checkpoints in Jerusalem, Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy tells the BBC  “Ramadan is often an occasion when extremist elements try to whip up and inflame violence. We are working to deter that.” Additionally, Dr. Imam Mustafa Abu Sway, a member of the Islamic Waqf Council, told the BBC that “people do come to worship. They don’t come to disturb the peace. If the Israeli police and security forces leave them alone, everything will, hopefully, be ok.” Countering Hamas’ plea towards Palestinians and justifying their recent assembling of troops, the Israeli prime minister claims that Hamas is uninterested in a ceasefire.

As Israel continues to block Palestinians from entering Jerusalem through large military checkpoints, greater possibilities for civil unrest are rendered. In a once prosperous time of hope and prayer, the Palestinian citizens expect to find peace within their religion as the Israel-Gaza war ensues. Since Israeli National Security Minister, Itmar Ben-Gvir, has called for restricted access to mosques that are intended to bring about peace, the prospect of violence between the two religions grows. These holy grounds should not be under heavy surveillance by armed forces, but rather open to the public to foster hope within communities. With the Ramadan season swiftly emerging, Palestinian citizens should be free to practice their faith in holy areas that hold meaning to them. Although it is essential to have supervision along areas prone to conflict in Jerusalem, it is not necessary to restrict citizen access to one of the most sacred sights of Islam.

Dating back to the 1960s, the al-Aqsa Mosque has been a symbol of the Palestinian struggle ever since Israel captured East Jerusalem. Over the years, tensions erupted at al-Aqsa, causing concern about the possibility of violence during the height of the Israel-Gaza war. In the year 2000, an Israeli opposition leader exposed the first al-Aqsa Intifada, which gave rise to heightened violence and uproar among Palestinians. With the fear of an additional al-Aqsa Intifada, Palestinian participation has been greatly limited. In a time of crisis, visiting this holy mosque can serve as a token of hope for the Palestinian people. 

Ramadan takes place in a holy month dedicated to peace, not violence. Restriction is necessary, but completely limiting access is not. In these next few days as Ramadan ensues, mitigating the likelihood of hostility is imperative. Israel needs to allow Palestinians to continue worship in Jerusalem while also providing safety for all citizens.