Israeli occupation authorities banned Palestinian worshippers from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Eid al-Fitr prayers on Friday morning. This closure marks the first time since the 1967 Mideast war that the holy site has been fully barred for the holiday.
Officials cited security restrictions linked to the escalating regional war against Iran as the primary reason for the move.
Thousands of Muslims normally gather at the site to mark the end of Ramadan. On Friday, however, hundreds were forced to perform prayers on roadsides near the Old City walls. Large groups gathered at Damascus Gate and Herod’s Gate to pray as close to the compound as possible.
Israeli forces reportedly used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse those attempting to approach the mosque.
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Regional tensions and local impact
The Jerusalem Governorate described the closure as an unprecedented escalation. They argued the measures intend to isolate the mosque from its Palestinian surroundings. While Israel maintains these are temporary security measures, Palestinians claim the move is a strategy to entrench control over the sensitive site.
The closure occurred as the war against Iran entered its 21st day. Tensions in the region remain high following recent airstrikes. Israeli police have maintained a strict assembly ban throughout the Old City. This has left the area resembling a ghost town during what is usually a festive period. Only pharmacies and essential food shops were permitted to operate on Friday.
Reports from the compound indicated that clashes broke out when forces moved to prevent entry, resulting in several injuries. One worshipper was reportedly detained on Salahuddin Street during the morning.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque remains the third-holiest site in Islam and a central flashpoint in the ongoing conflict.
Image via AA.
