Israel on Wednesday set new limits for Palestinians from the West Bank attending Friday prayers at Al Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem. Worshipper numbers are capped at 10,000 for the month of Ramazan. Only men aged 55 and over, women aged 50 and over, and children up to 12 can attend with permits from Israeli authorities, said COGAT, the Israeli agency managing civilian matters in Palestinian areas. "Ten thousand Palestinian worshippers will be permitted to enter the Temple Mount for Friday prayers throughout the month of Ramadan, subject to obtaining a dedicated daily permit in advance," COGAT said. "Entry for men will be permitted from age 55, for women from age 50, and for children up to age 12 when accompanied by a first-degree relative." The restrictions apply to Palestinians traveling from the West Bank, under Israeli occupation since 1967. Permits need prior security clearance. Visitors must also undergo digital checks upon returning to the West Bank, known biblically as Judea and Samaria. Traditionally, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians attend Al Aqsa prayers during Ramazan. However, attendance has dropped since Israel tightened controls following the Gaza war that started in October 2023. On Monday, Israeli police arrested Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, Imam of Al Aqsa Mosque, from inside the mosque's courtyard without stating a reason. Palestinian news agency WAFA reported the arrest amid rising Israeli actions limiting worshippers and clergy access to the mosque. On Tuesday, Hamas condemned the arrest, stating al-Abbasi was "served with an order banning him from the mosque." Hamas called the move "blatant interference in the affairs of Al Aqsa and an unacceptable assault on its imams."