The Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem has reopened to Muslim worshippers after a 40-day closure imposed by Israeli authorities amid heightened regional tensions linked to military operations involving Iran.
At dawn, hundreds of Palestinians gathered at the Al-Haram al-Sharif, many visibly emotional as they performed prayers and prostrations of gratitude during the first collective صلاة since the site’s closure.
The restrictions, which began on February 28, had barred most Palestinians from accessing the mosque, limiting entry to staff and officials from the Islamic Waqf. Worshippers were instead redirected to smaller mosques across the city. Notably, Eid al-Fitr prayers were prevented at Al-Aqsa this year—an unprecedented move since Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.
Tensions were further heightened when Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the compound on April 6 while it remained closed, drawing widespread criticism.
During the same period, Israeli authorities also closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity’s most sacred sites, reflecting the broader scope of restrictions in the city.
Although the site has now reopened, uncertainty remains as Israel’s state of emergency—extended until mid-April—continues, raising questions about potential future access limitations.
Source: AA
