Israel revokes permits for dozens of Al-Aqsa Mosque staff

Israel revokes permits for dozens of Al-Aqsa Mosque staff Submitted by Lubna Masarwa on Thu, 05/21/2026 - 13:04 Sources tell MEE the decision affects 30 senior Islamic Waqf employees from the occupied West Bank, in a move seen as further limiting Palestinian access to the site Muslims arrive at Al-Aqsa Mosque before Friday noon prayers in Jerusalem's Old City on 10 April 2026 (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP) Off Israeli authorities have revoked entry permits for Al-Aqsa Mosque staff from the occupied West Bank, Middle East Eye understands. The decision is expected to affect around 30 senior employees of the Islamic Endowment in Jerusalem, known as the Waqf, a Jordanian -appointed body that administers the holy site in occupied East Jerusalem. Palestinians say the move marks the latest in a series of escalating measures aimed at consolidating Israeli control over Al-Aqsa Mosque and reducing the Palestinian presence and role there.