10 june 2016
The Moroccan Committee to Support the Nation’s Causes renewed condemnation of Israel’s confiscation and capture of the Maghareba neighborhood, in Occupied Jerusalem, and called for restoring the quarter.
Speaking in a statement issued on the occasion of the commemoration of Israel’s demolition of the Maghareba neighborhood, the Moroccan Committee slammed Israeli crimes and aggression on the Palestinian people and holy sites.
“The Maghareba neighborhood was usurped by Israel,” said the committee. The statement called for restoring Palestinian and Islamic property which was seized by the Israeli occupation.
On June 10, 1967 Israeli occupation bulldozers destroyed 135 Palestinian homes in the Maghareba neighborhood, a home to over 650 Palestinians.
Soon as the sun of June 11, 1967 rose, the entire quarter was reduced to mounds of rubble, with several Palestinians killed and dozens of others banned from the area.
The Moroccan Committee decided to commemorate the occasion on account of the strong historical bonds connecting Moroccans to Occupied Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Speaking in a statement issued on the occasion of the commemoration of Israel’s demolition of the Maghareba neighborhood, the Moroccan Committee slammed Israeli crimes and aggression on the Palestinian people and holy sites.
“The Maghareba neighborhood was usurped by Israel,” said the committee. The statement called for restoring Palestinian and Islamic property which was seized by the Israeli occupation.
On June 10, 1967 Israeli occupation bulldozers destroyed 135 Palestinian homes in the Maghareba neighborhood, a home to over 650 Palestinians.
Soon as the sun of June 11, 1967 rose, the entire quarter was reduced to mounds of rubble, with several Palestinians killed and dozens of others banned from the area.
The Moroccan Committee decided to commemorate the occasion on account of the strong historical bonds connecting Moroccans to Occupied Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Israeli occupation police decided to deploy thousands of its forces in Occupied Jerusalem and its Old City on the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan at the pretext of maintaining order.
This Israeli decision comes as Islamic waqf crews have almost finished making preparations to receive Muslim worshipers at the Aqsa Mosque on Friday.
The Israeli police will also close several main roads for long hours during the day in east Jerusalem and will make thousands of Palestinians walk long distances to the Aqsa Mosque.
Meanwhile, more than 80,000 Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip will not be able to enter Jerusalem for the Friday prayer and khutba (sermon) after the Israeli occupation authority decided not to give them entry permits in response to the recent shooting attack in Tel Aviv.
In an earlier incident, the Israeli police on Thursday evening barred the entry of meals to the Aqsa Mosque for fasting worshipers. Local sources said that the police blocked al-Asbat Gate of the Mosque with barriers and prevented Palestinians from carrying packages of 6,000 meals into the Mosque.
Israel seals off West Bank roads, bans Gazans from al-Aqsa
The Israeli War Minister Avigdor Lieberman gave instructions for cordoning off the occupied West Bank starting midnight Thursday. Restrictions on the Palestinians include banning Gazans above 50 years old from performing Friday prayers at the holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) also ruled for banning Palestinian workers and holders of work permits from entering 1948 Occupied Palestine.
The IOA reneged on its promises to ease restrictions on Gazans and secure Friday prayers at the al-Aqsa. Public Relations and Media Director at the Civil Affairs Committee, Muhammad al-Mukadmeh, said the IOA updated them on their decision to cancel all weekly visits to al-Aqsa scheduled for Gazans and to ban those aged above 50 from praying at the Mosque.
He added that the restrictions were issued following Wednesday’s shooting attack in Tel Aviv.
This Israeli decision comes as Islamic waqf crews have almost finished making preparations to receive Muslim worshipers at the Aqsa Mosque on Friday.
The Israeli police will also close several main roads for long hours during the day in east Jerusalem and will make thousands of Palestinians walk long distances to the Aqsa Mosque.
Meanwhile, more than 80,000 Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip will not be able to enter Jerusalem for the Friday prayer and khutba (sermon) after the Israeli occupation authority decided not to give them entry permits in response to the recent shooting attack in Tel Aviv.
In an earlier incident, the Israeli police on Thursday evening barred the entry of meals to the Aqsa Mosque for fasting worshipers. Local sources said that the police blocked al-Asbat Gate of the Mosque with barriers and prevented Palestinians from carrying packages of 6,000 meals into the Mosque.
Israel seals off West Bank roads, bans Gazans from al-Aqsa
The Israeli War Minister Avigdor Lieberman gave instructions for cordoning off the occupied West Bank starting midnight Thursday. Restrictions on the Palestinians include banning Gazans above 50 years old from performing Friday prayers at the holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) also ruled for banning Palestinian workers and holders of work permits from entering 1948 Occupied Palestine.
The IOA reneged on its promises to ease restrictions on Gazans and secure Friday prayers at the al-Aqsa. Public Relations and Media Director at the Civil Affairs Committee, Muhammad al-Mukadmeh, said the IOA updated them on their decision to cancel all weekly visits to al-Aqsa scheduled for Gazans and to ban those aged above 50 from praying at the Mosque.
He added that the restrictions were issued following Wednesday’s shooting attack in Tel Aviv.
9 june 2016
The Israeli occupation police on Wednesday decided not to allow funerals and burials for Palestinian martyrs from east Jerusalem in their neighborhoods or town and to choose the Muslim cemeteries they would be buried in.
Yedioth Ahronoth website said this decision was taken following the funeral of martyr Alaa Abu Jamal several weeks when about 200 persons gathered at the Jabel Mukaber cemetery and chanted incitement slogans against Israel and support for the deceased, whom it described as a "terrorist".
After reporting what happened at that funeral, minister of public security Gilad Erdan ordered a freeze on returning the bodies of "terrorists" to their families until the incident could be investigated and new conditions could be imposed to ensure funerals would not contain incitement.
The new decision, which has received the minister's approval, will allow the police to decide the location of the funeral and have full control over the attendees and their actions, according to the newspaper.
Yedioth Ahronoth website said this decision was taken following the funeral of martyr Alaa Abu Jamal several weeks when about 200 persons gathered at the Jabel Mukaber cemetery and chanted incitement slogans against Israel and support for the deceased, whom it described as a "terrorist".
After reporting what happened at that funeral, minister of public security Gilad Erdan ordered a freeze on returning the bodies of "terrorists" to their families until the incident could be investigated and new conditions could be imposed to ensure funerals would not contain incitement.
The new decision, which has received the minister's approval, will allow the police to decide the location of the funeral and have full control over the attendees and their actions, according to the newspaper.
Dozens of Israeli fanatics stormed on Thursday morning the holy al-Aqsa Mosque via the Maghareba Gate.
A PIC news reporter said Israeli special units and rapid intervention troops escorted the Israeli fanatics all the way through the break-in.
The Muslim learners and worshipers at al-Aqsa kept chanting “Allah is the Greatest” in protest at the sacrilegious break-in.
Muslim women who have been banned from entering al-Aqsa rallied outside the Mosque and recited Holy Quran.
A PIC news reporter said Israeli special units and rapid intervention troops escorted the Israeli fanatics all the way through the break-in.
The Muslim learners and worshipers at al-Aqsa kept chanting “Allah is the Greatest” in protest at the sacrilegious break-in.
Muslim women who have been banned from entering al-Aqsa rallied outside the Mosque and recited Holy Quran.
Extremist Jewish groups have incited their followers to march en masse to the Aqsa Mosque on Thursday to mark the approaching occasion of the Shavuot holiday.
Students for the temple organization and other Jewish groups announced, on their websites and social media, their intents to organize a mass march to the Mosque.
The Jewish event will include a mass break-in at the Aqsa Mosque and then a meeting to listen to a lecture on the importance of the alleged temple mount.
Students for the temple organization and other Jewish groups announced, on their websites and social media, their intents to organize a mass march to the Mosque.
The Jewish event will include a mass break-in at the Aqsa Mosque and then a meeting to listen to a lecture on the importance of the alleged temple mount.
7 june 2016
Dozens of Israeli settlers broke into al-Aqsa Mosque via the Israeli-controlled al-Magaribeh gate on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan on Monday.
Quds Press affirmed that 62 settlers stormed the holy shrine and toured its courtyards amid heavy police protection. Meanwhile, Palestinian worshipers intensified their presence at the Mosque since the early morning hours and tried to confront the Israeli settlers’ break-in into their Mosque.
Earlier Sunday, 307 Israeli settlers stormed the Mosque on the 49th anniversary of the occupation of Eastern Jerusalem.
Quds Press affirmed that 62 settlers stormed the holy shrine and toured its courtyards amid heavy police protection. Meanwhile, Palestinian worshipers intensified their presence at the Mosque since the early morning hours and tried to confront the Israeli settlers’ break-in into their Mosque.
Earlier Sunday, 307 Israeli settlers stormed the Mosque on the 49th anniversary of the occupation of Eastern Jerusalem.
6 june 2016
The Israeli High Court in Jerusalem, on Sunday, has rejected a petition demanding that the Zionist “Jerusalem Day” march, which celebrates the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, be barred from the Muslim Quarter in the old city of Jerusalem.
The annual march, which will be held by Zionist religious youth, this year, coincides with the beginning of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims, which will be confirmed by Saudi Arabia at around 7:43.
Last year’s march saw violent clashes, according to the PNN, where “racist insults were hurled by marchers at Arabs, as well as cases of vandalism.”
According to Haaretz, the court approved an agreement, between the state and the parade’s organizers, that the march would start 15 minutes earlier, so that “no Jewish marchers will be present at the Muslim Quarter if Ramadan begins Sunday.”
Haaretz also reported that the court’s ruling says that that the last of the marchers will be allowed to enter the Muslim Quarter through Damascus Gate at 6:15 P.M., adding that by 7 P.M. the Quarter’s main street will be clear.
The judges ordered police to make sure there will be “minimal friction with the Muslim residents” and reiterated an instruction from last year to show “zero tolerance to verbal and physical violence.”
On Thursday, an urgent petition was filed with the High Court by the Ir Amim non-profit group and Amir Cheshin, a former Arab affairs adviser to Jerusalem’s mayor. The petitioners demanded that the court instruct the police to ban the march from the Muslim Quarter.
The Israeli “Jerusalem Day” holiday commemorates the day when Israel took hold of the West Bank and Gaza following the Six Day War in 1967.
The annual march, which will be held by Zionist religious youth, this year, coincides with the beginning of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims, which will be confirmed by Saudi Arabia at around 7:43.
Last year’s march saw violent clashes, according to the PNN, where “racist insults were hurled by marchers at Arabs, as well as cases of vandalism.”
According to Haaretz, the court approved an agreement, between the state and the parade’s organizers, that the march would start 15 minutes earlier, so that “no Jewish marchers will be present at the Muslim Quarter if Ramadan begins Sunday.”
Haaretz also reported that the court’s ruling says that that the last of the marchers will be allowed to enter the Muslim Quarter through Damascus Gate at 6:15 P.M., adding that by 7 P.M. the Quarter’s main street will be clear.
The judges ordered police to make sure there will be “minimal friction with the Muslim residents” and reiterated an instruction from last year to show “zero tolerance to verbal and physical violence.”
On Thursday, an urgent petition was filed with the High Court by the Ir Amim non-profit group and Amir Cheshin, a former Arab affairs adviser to Jerusalem’s mayor. The petitioners demanded that the court instruct the police to ban the march from the Muslim Quarter.
The Israeli “Jerusalem Day” holiday commemorates the day when Israel took hold of the West Bank and Gaza following the Six Day War in 1967.
Moroccan premier Abdelilah Benkirane stressed Sunday that defending the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem is the responsibility of all Arabs and Muslims and not only Palestinians.
Talking to Quds Press, Benkirane said that he feel really ashamed every time he speaks about the Palestinians who are paying a high price for struggling against the occupation.
“Palestine is an Arab and Islamic land, its holy sites are our holy sites, we have to support its people’s defense of those holy places,” he continued.
Benkirane called on Arab and Islamic countries to end armed disputes among them, adding: “Everyone needs to review his positions especially as we celebrate the holy month of Ramadan”.
Talking to Quds Press, Benkirane said that he feel really ashamed every time he speaks about the Palestinians who are paying a high price for struggling against the occupation.
“Palestine is an Arab and Islamic land, its holy sites are our holy sites, we have to support its people’s defense of those holy places,” he continued.
Benkirane called on Arab and Islamic countries to end armed disputes among them, adding: “Everyone needs to review his positions especially as we celebrate the holy month of Ramadan”.
5 june 2016
At ceremony marking 49th year since the city's unification Netanyahu states that placing Israeli flag above Western Wall was 2nd most important moment after declaration of independence; President Rivlin: Prophetic vision became reality, Jerusalem returned to its children.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Jerusalem will never be redivided in a ceremony marking 49 years since the unification of Jerusalem on Sunday.
"49 years ago, Jerusalem was released from its shackles. We will not return to a reality whereby the city is torn, divided, and wounded," Netanyahu said.
President Reuven Rivlin also spoke at the ceremony, and called on the government not to empty the city of its symbols, touching upon the issue whereby government ministries are moving out of Jerusalem.
The ceremony took place on Mt. Herzl and was attended by IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, Police Comissioner Roni Alsheikh, and various government ministers and mayors.
The ceremony began with torches being lit by various representatives of the IDF regional commands to remember those who fell trying to liberate the city from the Jordanians. Netanyahu also shared his memories of Jerusalem and said that the current, magical reality was at one time very different.
"It was a reality of huge concrete walls with snipers on top, no mans lands and minefields," Netanyahu said.
He continued saying, "The veterans here remember what the soldiers wrote on the military vehicles – 'there will not be a second Auschwitz, and there will not be a second Masada.' I remember the feeling of threatening danger and adrenaline and the spirit of our fighters, which thanks to them, our situation changed from one side to the other. This was proven once again – that the only way to guarantee our existence is our presence and ability to defend ourselves and to protect the security of the state of Israel."
Netanyahu, who is flying on to Moscow on Monday, said that "placing the Israeli flag on the Western Wall was the second most important moment after the declaration of the State of Israel. This spiritual ascendance encompassed the entire nation, both in Israel and in the Diaspora. It was at that moment that a national consciousness was launched amongst Jews in the former Soviet Union."
"Tomorrow, I'm flying to Moscow to mark 25 years of relations between Russia and Israel. But on the eve of the Six Day War, the armies which surrounded us were all armed and funded by the USSR. Russia is a global power, and our relations are getting stronger. The strengthening of this relationship strengthens our national security and prevents unnecessary friction on our northern border."
The prime minister also referred to the peace process and said that nobody would force upon Israel international dictates. "Peace is achieved through direct and free negotiations between the parties. We've seen it with peace with Egypt and Jordan. It was not achieved by international dictates. In the period after the Six Day War, when the military campaign was over, the political campaign began," said Netanyahu.
"The same players in the international arena who did not lift a finger to help us when the threat of destruction hovered over us were those who tried to impose a political settlement on us. It did not work then and will not work today. Any international dictate hardens the Palestinians’ positions.
Anyone who denies our connection to Jerusalem, transforms the Temple Mount into a center of religious incitement, who does not renounce terrorism - still has a long way to peace. "
President Rivlin said at the ceremony: "Our eyes were raised towards you Jerusalem. 49 years ago our prayers were answered. The city opened its closed heart to her lovers who were knocking at her gates. Prophetic vision became reality. Jerusalem returned to its children. Here, on this heroic hill, one of the symbols of the heroism of the State of Israel , a blood-soaked battle took place in which more than 180 fighters, within whom the fire of Jerusalem burned, were killed… We sacrificed ourselves for Jerusalem because we knew that one must insist when it comes to her.”
Rivlin also spoke about the planned move of the Public Broadcasting Authority from Jerusalem and expressed his joy that the Prime Minister decided to stop the process. "I hope this is so. This is because it is not possible that 80 years to the day after the first Hebrew broadcast, from the “Voice of Jerusalem” radio station, public broadcasting from Jerusalem will cease, "said the president. "One does not give up on symbols. We must not empty Jerusalem of its symbols. Jerusalem is not just a strip of land, it is a spiritual legacy, the spirit of the Jewish people.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Jerusalem will never be redivided in a ceremony marking 49 years since the unification of Jerusalem on Sunday.
"49 years ago, Jerusalem was released from its shackles. We will not return to a reality whereby the city is torn, divided, and wounded," Netanyahu said.
President Reuven Rivlin also spoke at the ceremony, and called on the government not to empty the city of its symbols, touching upon the issue whereby government ministries are moving out of Jerusalem.
The ceremony took place on Mt. Herzl and was attended by IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, Police Comissioner Roni Alsheikh, and various government ministers and mayors.
The ceremony began with torches being lit by various representatives of the IDF regional commands to remember those who fell trying to liberate the city from the Jordanians. Netanyahu also shared his memories of Jerusalem and said that the current, magical reality was at one time very different.
"It was a reality of huge concrete walls with snipers on top, no mans lands and minefields," Netanyahu said.
He continued saying, "The veterans here remember what the soldiers wrote on the military vehicles – 'there will not be a second Auschwitz, and there will not be a second Masada.' I remember the feeling of threatening danger and adrenaline and the spirit of our fighters, which thanks to them, our situation changed from one side to the other. This was proven once again – that the only way to guarantee our existence is our presence and ability to defend ourselves and to protect the security of the state of Israel."
Netanyahu, who is flying on to Moscow on Monday, said that "placing the Israeli flag on the Western Wall was the second most important moment after the declaration of the State of Israel. This spiritual ascendance encompassed the entire nation, both in Israel and in the Diaspora. It was at that moment that a national consciousness was launched amongst Jews in the former Soviet Union."
"Tomorrow, I'm flying to Moscow to mark 25 years of relations between Russia and Israel. But on the eve of the Six Day War, the armies which surrounded us were all armed and funded by the USSR. Russia is a global power, and our relations are getting stronger. The strengthening of this relationship strengthens our national security and prevents unnecessary friction on our northern border."
The prime minister also referred to the peace process and said that nobody would force upon Israel international dictates. "Peace is achieved through direct and free negotiations between the parties. We've seen it with peace with Egypt and Jordan. It was not achieved by international dictates. In the period after the Six Day War, when the military campaign was over, the political campaign began," said Netanyahu.
"The same players in the international arena who did not lift a finger to help us when the threat of destruction hovered over us were those who tried to impose a political settlement on us. It did not work then and will not work today. Any international dictate hardens the Palestinians’ positions.
Anyone who denies our connection to Jerusalem, transforms the Temple Mount into a center of religious incitement, who does not renounce terrorism - still has a long way to peace. "
President Rivlin said at the ceremony: "Our eyes were raised towards you Jerusalem. 49 years ago our prayers were answered. The city opened its closed heart to her lovers who were knocking at her gates. Prophetic vision became reality. Jerusalem returned to its children. Here, on this heroic hill, one of the symbols of the heroism of the State of Israel , a blood-soaked battle took place in which more than 180 fighters, within whom the fire of Jerusalem burned, were killed… We sacrificed ourselves for Jerusalem because we knew that one must insist when it comes to her.”
Rivlin also spoke about the planned move of the Public Broadcasting Authority from Jerusalem and expressed his joy that the Prime Minister decided to stop the process. "I hope this is so. This is because it is not possible that 80 years to the day after the first Hebrew broadcast, from the “Voice of Jerusalem” radio station, public broadcasting from Jerusalem will cease, "said the president. "One does not give up on symbols. We must not empty Jerusalem of its symbols. Jerusalem is not just a strip of land, it is a spiritual legacy, the spirit of the Jewish people.”
About 120 Jewish settlers led by rabbis on Sunday morning desecrated in groups the Aqsa Mosque's courtyards under tight police protection.
One of those settlers tried to perform Talmudic rituals during his tour of the Islamic holy place, but the mosque guards prevented him.
At the invitation of Palestinian religious and national figures in Occupied Jerusalem, dozens of citizens flocked in the early morning to the Mosque to foil attempts by temple mount groups to organize revelries on its courtyards on the 49th anniversary of Israel's occupation of east Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, tensions have become high today in the Old City of Jerusalem as a result of the march of flags which Jewish settlers organized today to celebrate the anniversary.
In a separate incident, local young men from the Old City of Jerusalem were able at dawn to save a Palestinian commercial store from being burned by Jewish settlers.
One of those settlers tried to perform Talmudic rituals during his tour of the Islamic holy place, but the mosque guards prevented him.
At the invitation of Palestinian religious and national figures in Occupied Jerusalem, dozens of citizens flocked in the early morning to the Mosque to foil attempts by temple mount groups to organize revelries on its courtyards on the 49th anniversary of Israel's occupation of east Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, tensions have become high today in the Old City of Jerusalem as a result of the march of flags which Jewish settlers organized today to celebrate the anniversary.
In a separate incident, local young men from the Old City of Jerusalem were able at dawn to save a Palestinian commercial store from being burned by Jewish settlers.
A report raised on Saturday alarm bells over the swift pace in Israeli illegal settlement projects across the occupied Palestinian territories as part of larger scheme of ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians.
The National Office for Defending the Land and Resisting Settlement said Israeli illegal settlement activity has hit the peak with the advent of the commemoration of the occupation of Jerusalem in 1967 marked by Israelis on June 5.
According to the report, a meeting is to be held by the Israeli government on Sunday evening to mark the occupation of Jerusalem.
Among the files expected to be discussed during the meeting is a five-year plan to stimulate Jerusalem’s economic growth in an attempt to pave the way for asserting the city as "the capital of the Jewish State".
A development budget of NIS 850 million (about $220 million) will be invested in five areas aimed at boosting the city´s tourism, advanced industry, academia, business development, and quality of life for settlers.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli Ministry of Education announced the launch of the Judaization of Jerusalem Week at all schools. The event is set to be concluded on June 8.
The Israeli planning and construction committee in Occupied Jerusalem also approved settlers’ confiscation of Palestinians’ demolished homes in Silwan.
Speaking ahead of the annual Jerusalem Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “I support all efforts to maintain and strengthen a united Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel.”
Netanyahu’s claims come at a time when Israeli fanatic organizations have been inciting for mass break-ins at Muslims’ the holy al-Aqsa Mosque on June 5 to mark the occupation of the holy city of Jerusalem.
The National Office for Defending the Land and Resisting Settlement said Israeli illegal settlement activity has hit the peak with the advent of the commemoration of the occupation of Jerusalem in 1967 marked by Israelis on June 5.
According to the report, a meeting is to be held by the Israeli government on Sunday evening to mark the occupation of Jerusalem.
Among the files expected to be discussed during the meeting is a five-year plan to stimulate Jerusalem’s economic growth in an attempt to pave the way for asserting the city as "the capital of the Jewish State".
A development budget of NIS 850 million (about $220 million) will be invested in five areas aimed at boosting the city´s tourism, advanced industry, academia, business development, and quality of life for settlers.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli Ministry of Education announced the launch of the Judaization of Jerusalem Week at all schools. The event is set to be concluded on June 8.
The Israeli planning and construction committee in Occupied Jerusalem also approved settlers’ confiscation of Palestinians’ demolished homes in Silwan.
Speaking ahead of the annual Jerusalem Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “I support all efforts to maintain and strengthen a united Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel.”
Netanyahu’s claims come at a time when Israeli fanatic organizations have been inciting for mass break-ins at Muslims’ the holy al-Aqsa Mosque on June 5 to mark the occupation of the holy city of Jerusalem.
4 june 2016
West Bank and Gaza residents will be able to visit first-degree relatives in Israel and in the territories and pray at al-Aqsa during Fridays, Laylat al-Qadr and Eid al-Fitr.
Newly-appointed Defense Minister Avidgor Lieberman has issued an order easing some restrictions imposed on the Palestinians ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Monday.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Unit (COGAT) said Friday that the easing of restrictions was approved based on the recommendation of IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.
The measures include allowing Palestinian residents of the West Bank to visit their families in Israel during the month-long holiday, while those who wish to visit family in the Gaza Strip could do so if they're first-degree relatives.
In addition, Israel will allow Muslim worshipers from the West Bank to enter the al-Aqsa mosque complex on the Temple Mount to pray on Fridays and during Laylat al-Qadr (the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet Muhammad, according to Islamic belief).
Residents of the Gaza Strip could also visit family in Israel and in the West Bank during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (the holiday marking the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan), so long as they're first-degree relatives.
Gazans will also be able to enter the al-Aqsa mosque compound and pray there on Fridays, during Laylat al-Qadr and during Eid al-Fitr.
To facilitate those measures, Israel will extend hours of operations at the border crossings.
COGAT dubbed the moves "gestures of goodwill," saying they're done to promote the freedom of religion and worship. These are gestures Israel makes every year for Ramadan.
Newly-appointed Defense Minister Avidgor Lieberman has issued an order easing some restrictions imposed on the Palestinians ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Monday.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Unit (COGAT) said Friday that the easing of restrictions was approved based on the recommendation of IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.
The measures include allowing Palestinian residents of the West Bank to visit their families in Israel during the month-long holiday, while those who wish to visit family in the Gaza Strip could do so if they're first-degree relatives.
In addition, Israel will allow Muslim worshipers from the West Bank to enter the al-Aqsa mosque complex on the Temple Mount to pray on Fridays and during Laylat al-Qadr (the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet Muhammad, according to Islamic belief).
Residents of the Gaza Strip could also visit family in Israel and in the West Bank during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (the holiday marking the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan), so long as they're first-degree relatives.
Gazans will also be able to enter the al-Aqsa mosque compound and pray there on Fridays, during Laylat al-Qadr and during Eid al-Fitr.
To facilitate those measures, Israel will extend hours of operations at the border crossings.
COGAT dubbed the moves "gestures of goodwill," saying they're done to promote the freedom of religion and worship. These are gestures Israel makes every year for Ramadan.
Tens of thousands of Palestinian worshipers performed the Friday prayer at the Aqsa Mosque, amid Israeli movement restrictions in Occupied Jerusalem.
According to Quds Press, more than 60,000 Palestinians entered the Mosque for the Friday khutba (sermon) and prayer.
300 elderly citizens from Gaza were able to pray at the Mosque after they were allowed at dawn to leave for Jerusalem.
The Israeli police, in turn, intensified their presence and tightened their security measures throughout the holy city, especially at its entrances and the Mosque's gates.
During his khutba, Sheikh Mohamed Hussein urged all Palestinian citizens to travel en masse to the Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.
Sheikh Hussein also hailed the recent initiative launched by the Palestinian families in the Old City of Jerusalem for the protection of their real estate and property against attempts by Jewish settlers and groups to seize them.
According to Quds Press, more than 60,000 Palestinians entered the Mosque for the Friday khutba (sermon) and prayer.
300 elderly citizens from Gaza were able to pray at the Mosque after they were allowed at dawn to leave for Jerusalem.
The Israeli police, in turn, intensified their presence and tightened their security measures throughout the holy city, especially at its entrances and the Mosque's gates.
During his khutba, Sheikh Mohamed Hussein urged all Palestinian citizens to travel en masse to the Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.
Sheikh Hussein also hailed the recent initiative launched by the Palestinian families in the Old City of Jerusalem for the protection of their real estate and property against attempts by Jewish settlers and groups to seize them.
