Over 1,000 Palestinians Banned from Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem's Old City in 2026
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Israeli authorities have issued over 1,000 banishment orders against Palestinians from Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem's Old City since the start of 2026. These measures restrict Palestinian access and presence, targeting worshippers and religious figures like Sheikh Akram Sabri. The bans coincide with increased settler incursions into Al-Aqsa and tightened restrictions on Palestinian worshippers, raising concerns about Palestinian access.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Over 1,000 Palestinians have been banned from Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem's Old City since the start of 2026.
- The banishment orders aim to restrict Palestinian access and presence at the holy site.
- Sheikh Akram Sabri, Al-Aqsa's preacher, has been among those targeted by banishment orders.
- The restrictions coincide with a significant rise in settler incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque.
- Palestinian worshippers face tightened restrictions and banishments from Al-Aqsa's courtyards.
Since the start of 2026, Israeli authorities have issued over 1,000 banishment orders against Palestinians, prohibiting their access to Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City in occupied Jerusalem. These measures, aimed at restricting Palestinian presence and access to the mosque, include temporary bans from Al-Aqsa and broader exclusions from the Old City and other Jerusalem areas, according to the Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Jerusalem. Among those targeted is Sheikh Akram Sabri, the preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, who was banned by Israeli police from entering the mosque for Friday prayers in April. His ban from Al-Aqsa was previously renewed for six months in October 2025.
These restrictions coincide with a surge in settler incursions into Al-Aqsa. The Jerusalem Governorate reported 27,830 settlers entering the mosque during the third quarter of the current year, in addition to 13,113 individuals visiting under the guise of tourism. The Governorate also documented 73 banishment orders in the third quarter, 63 of which were related to Al-Aqsa. September alone saw 50 banishment orders issued, an increase coinciding with Jewish holidays. Palestinian worshippers faced tightened restrictions entering the mosque, with individuals being banished from its courtyards and surroundings while settler groups, under police protection, performed rituals and prayers within the mosque's grounds.
The measures raise concerns about limiting Palestinian presence in Al-Aqsa and the Old City, amidst ongoing Palestinian calls to halt the banishment orders and ensure free access for worshippers.