Israel Bans Non-Muslim Visits to Al-Aqsa Compound until Ramadan End

Palestinian Muslim devotees perform an evening prayer known as "Tarawih" outside the Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on April 8, 2023. (AFP)
Palestinian Muslim devotees perform an evening prayer known as "Tarawih" outside the Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on April 8, 2023. (AFP)
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Israel Bans Non-Muslim Visits to Al-Aqsa Compound until Ramadan End

Palestinian Muslim devotees perform an evening prayer known as "Tarawih" outside the Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on April 8, 2023. (AFP)
Palestinian Muslim devotees perform an evening prayer known as "Tarawih" outside the Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on April 8, 2023. (AFP)

Jewish visitors and tourists will be banned from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem until the end of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Tuesday.

An Israeli police raid at the site last week triggered rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria that were met with Israeli strikes.

In previous years Israel has banned Jewish visits to the compound in the last 10 days of Ramadan.



Arab League Urges Global Efforts to Build a Safer Future for Generations

File photo of a previous meeting of the Arab League (Asharq Al-Awsat)
File photo of a previous meeting of the Arab League (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Arab League Urges Global Efforts to Build a Safer Future for Generations

File photo of a previous meeting of the Arab League (Asharq Al-Awsat)
File photo of a previous meeting of the Arab League (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Arab League has called for urgent action to create a safer world for future generations, stressing the need to protect vulnerable groups, including migrants, and strengthen their resilience.
In a statement issued on Wednesday to mark International Migrants Day, observed annually on December 18, the Arab League emphasized the importance of maximizing migrants' contributions to sustainable development in both host and origin countries.

It also underscored the need to combat racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and all forms of discrimination to foster social cohesion and cultural dialogue, adding that these objectives align with global frameworks such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and the Pact for the Future.
The statement referenced initiatives led by Bahrain, as outlined in the declaration of the 33rd Arab Summit held on May 16, 2024.

These initiatives include providing educational services to those affected by regional conflicts, particularly those deprived of formal education due to security challenges, displacement, and migration. The initiatives also aim to improve healthcare for conflict-affected populations.
Highlighting the ongoing global crises, the General Secretariat of the Arab League noted that instability, poverty, underdevelopment, and climate change are driving unprecedented migration flows. "Millions of migrants face an uncertain and unpredictable future due to wars, armed conflicts, poverty, and climate challenges. This reality underscores the urgent need to address the root causes of instability to prevent future generations from undertaking dangerous journeys in search of safety and opportunity," the statement said.
The Arab League called for sustainable solutions that balance immediate humanitarian assistance with long-term development strategies. It stressed the importance of promoting sustainability based on the interests of future generations, ensuring a comprehensive approach that addresses conflict, violence, and poverty while fostering global cooperation.