Israel: heightened security measures in Jerusalem for first Friday of Ramadan

High tension ahead of Friday prayer in Jerusalem, while the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza remains fragile

Today, 7 March, security measures were stepped up in Jerusalem for the first Friday of the month of Ramadan. Some 3,000 officers were deployed in the Old City, particularly around the Esplanade of Mosques, to ensure order. With the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas increasingly in the balance, access to the Esplanade will be limited to 10,000 Muslim worshippers, according to local authorities.

Tension in Jerusalem and restrictions on the Esplanade of Mosques

The Esplanade of Mosques, home to the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque, is under the custody of Jordan, but security is managed by Israel. With the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Friday prayer takes on crucial importance for Muslim worshippers. In the past, violence has occurred in the area during Ramadan, raising concerns about the stability of the current situation.

Statements by the Israeli Defence Minister

The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has threatened to restart hostilities against Gaza if Israeli hostages are not released. Katz promised that Israel will do everything to bring home the hostages, dead or alive, held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The minister stated that the ceasefire agreement with Hamas is aimed at obtaining the immediate release of the hostages and that Israel is ready to resume fighting to achieve this goal.

Israeli army preparations for a new conflict

The new Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, Eyal Zamir, has confirmed that the Israeli armed forces are preparing for a possible return to combat against Hamas. During a meeting with Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip, Zamir stressed that the defeat of Hamas and the release of hostages are priority objectives for Israel.

Hamas’s response to Israeli threats

Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida warned that a new military escalation by Israel could lead to the death of more hostages. Obeida reiterated the group’s commitment to the current truce agreement, while saying that Israeli threats of war will not lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)