JERUSALEM: A senior imam of the Al Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem said Israeli authorities have barred him from entering the compound just days before Ramadan.

Sheikh Muhammad al Abbasi told AFP he had been prohibited from accessing the mosque for one week, adding that the order could be renewed. He said no reason was provided for the restriction which took effect Monday.

Abbasi noted he had recently resumed duties after recovering from a serious car accident that required a year-long hospital stay. Calling the decision grave he said Al Aqsa was central to his spiritual life.

Ramadan expected to begin this week typically draws hundreds of thousands of Palestinian worshippers. Israeli Police said they recommended issuing 10,000 entry permits for Palestinians from the West Bank though details on age criteria were not specified.

However the Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate said permits would likely mirror previous limits. The Islamic Waqf which administers the site also reported restrictions on staff and preparations.

Israel maintains it upholds the longstanding status quo, despite concerns voiced by Palestinians and statements by figures such as Itamar Ben Gvir in recent years.