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. According to sources familiar with the decision, who spoke to MEE on condition of anonymity, the permits will be cancelled from 1 June 2026. The move would bar 30 long-serving Waqf employees from accessing the mosque, including senior treasurer Ayyash Abu Ayyash, who co-signs cheques alongside Waqf director Azzam al-Khatib. The cancellations also include Waqf teachers, who are administratively and financially linked to the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Education but operate inside Al-Aqsa Mosque. Ekrima Sabri, imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque and head of the Higher Islamic Council, said the decision forms part of “unprecedented actions” in recent months aimed at imposing Israeli “domination” over the site. 'Every action taken by the occupation au...

Original source: Middle East Eye