Ramadan in Jerusalem: 80 thousand at the Temple Mount and enhanced security measures

On the first Friday of Ramadan, about 80,000 Muslims participated in a collective prayer on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. According to the Jerusalem Waqf, the body managing Muslim holy sites, on February 20, tens of thousands of believers ascended to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Despite reports from Palestinian media about imposed restrictions, there was no information about serious clashes or emergencies. Israeli authorities had announced in advance the strengthening of security measures in the Old City for the entire period of the holy month.

Mass prayer and control regime

Preparation for a “tense period”

The Central Military District Command completed preparations for Ramadan even before the start of the month. Calculations took into account the influx of Palestinians from Judea and Samaria, who traditionally strive to attend Friday prayers in Jerusalem.

This Ramadan is the third since the events of October 7, 2023. Since then, the movement control system has been significantly tightened.

In 2026, a special magnetic card mechanism is in effect: each visitor is required to register at checkpoints located near their place of residence. Those who do not return within the established time frame are automatically entered into the Israeli police database. Administrative measures may follow.

The main flow of believers passes through checkpoints on the approaches to Jerusalem.

Security and risk assessment

Activation of radical groups

Security forces traditionally view Ramadan as a period of increased risk. Security assessments emphasize that extremist organizations use religious rhetoric to mobilize supporters.

In recent weeks, there has been an increase in the number of stone-throwing incidents. Current instructions allow the use of live fire when life is threatened.

Particular concern is the age of participants in such attacks: according to the command, a significant portion of incidents involve teenagers aged 13–15. In this regard, preventive monitoring of roads and settlements near Jerusalem is being intensified.

Local conflicts outside the city

An additional factor of tension remains the friction between Jewish and Palestinian shepherds in Judea and Samaria. The reduction of buffer zones and the convergence of pastures lead to more frequent local conflicts, which can quickly escalate during religious holidays.

Religious factor and political context

The Temple Mount remains one of the most sensitive sites in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Any changes in access regime or increased control are perceived not only as an administrative measure but also as a political signal.

In this context, NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency notes that the current control format combines strict monitoring with an attempt to maintain the possibility of mass worship.

80,000 people at prayer without large-scale incidents is an indicator that the security system is functioning in a balanced mode. However, the persistent tension around Jerusalem requires constant readiness for rapid response.

Ramadan traditionally remains a time of heightened sensitivity for all parties. The stability of the coming weeks depends on how carefully this balance between freedom of religious practice and security requirements is maintained.