Widespread Palestinian Condemnation of Israeli Bill to Restrict Adhan in Jerusalem and Inside Israel

Palestinian circles are facing a new Israeli bill aimed at legalizing the ban on the call to prayer (Adhan) in occupied Jerusalem and areas within the Green Line with a massive wave of condemnations. These moves come after the Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved the proposal submitted by the far-right 'Jewish Power' party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in a step observers considered a dangerous escalation against the Islamic identity of the region.

The Palestinian Chief Justice, Mahmoud Al-Habbash, described this legislation as a 'declaration of religious war' directly targeting Islamic rituals and holy sites. Al-Habbash affirmed in press statements that Israeli attempts to restrict the sound of the Adhan reflect a state of extremism and hatred that has come to control decision-making in the occupation government, stressing that this measure represents a blatant violation of all international laws guaranteeing freedom of worship.

For his part, Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the preacher of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, warned of the dangerous turn taken by repeated Israeli attempts to silence the minarets. Sabri clarified in a statement that the Adhan represents an integral part of Islamic faith and Sharia, and the occupation authorities have no legitimate or legal right to interfere with it or try to lower its sound under any pretext, considering this step to be in conflict with the most basic human rights.

The proposed bill includes strict restrictions that prevent the installation or operation of any sound systems in mosques without obtaining prior permits subject to occupation standards. These permits are based on assessments of what is called 'noise level' and proximity to residential areas, which gives the occupation police broad powers to intervene immediately, confiscate sound equipment, and impose exorbitant fines on violating mosques.

Although the bill is still awaiting presentation to the Israeli Knesset for final approval, Al-Habbash affirmed that the Adhan will continue to echo in the skies of Palestine and these laws will not succeed in obliterating national and religious identity. He pointed out that the Palestinian people will continue to defend their Islamic and Christian holy sites alike, stressing that Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque will remain the core of Arab and Islamic rights in the face of policies of displacement and Judaization.

Observers believe that the approval of this law will lead to a new wave of popular and international anger, given the sensitivity of religious symbols in the ongoing conflict. Concerns are growing that the implementation of these restrictions will lead to direct clashes between worshippers and occupation forces, especially in historical cities and occupied Jerusalem, which are subjected to continuous Judaization pressures targeting their religious and cultural landmarks.

The bill is considered a declaration of religious war on Islamic holy sites and rituals, and a direct assault on freedom of worship.