Israeli authorities are preparing to “impose unprecedented repressive policies”, in advance of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which is expected to start on Saturday, to further isolate occupied East Jerusalem and its Palestinian surroundings, according to the Jerusalem governorate.

The Palestinian Authority’s governing body said in a statement that occupation authorities are planning “a series of racist and provocative measures”, including limiting the number of Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

It said recently released Palestinian prisoners would be banned from entering Al-Aqsa, and entry for worshippers from the occupied West Bank would be restricted based on age, with only men aged 55 and above and women more than 50 years of age allowed in.

Israeli forces are also intensifying their presence by deploying 3,000 armed personnel at checkpoints surrounding East Jerusalem on a daily basis and tightening their grip on 82 military checkpoints, including by using earthen blockades, iron gates, security cameras and intrusive searches.

“The governorate urges Arab and Islamic nations, as well as the international community, to take responsibility and act urgently to halt these violations.”