Police Boost Jerusalem Security Ahead of Second Friday of Ramadan

Jerusalem, 21 March, 2024 (TPS) -- Israel security officials are gearing up in Jerusalem with an increased police presence ahead of the second Friday of Ramadan.

Friday morning prayers on the Temple Mount during Ramadan are especially large and Palestinian terror attacks have surged during the Islamic holy month.

Police said they are particularly monitoring Arab social media networks for incitement and fake news. The police added that there is no truth to posts claiming Israel intends to block the entrance to the holy site or place restrictions on worshippers.

Hamas has been calling on Palestinians to confront police at the holy site.

The Temple Mount, where the First and Second Jewish Temples were built, is the overall holiest site in Judaism. The Western Wall is the only remnant of a retaining wall encircling the Temple Mount built by Herod the Great in the first century and is the holiest site where Jews can freely pray.

The delicate status quo governing the Temple Mount goes back to 1967, when Israel liberated the Old City of Jerusalem from Jordan during the Six Day War. Fearing a religious war, then-defense minister Moshe Dayan agreed to let the Islamic Waqf, a Muslim trusteeship, continue managing the holy site’s day-to-day affairs, while Israel would maintain overall sovereignty and be responsible for security. The Waqf is overseen by Jordan.

According to the status quo, Jews and non-Muslims would be allowed to visit the Temple Mount, but not pray there.