Al-Aqsa Mosque Reopens After Unprecedented 40-Day Closure

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem has reopened to Muslim worshippers following a 40-day closure imposed by Israeli authorities amid heightened regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

At dawn, hundreds of Palestinians gathered at Al-Haram al-Sharif, many visibly emotional as they performed prayers and prostrations of gratitude during the first collective worship since the site’s closure.

The restrictions, in place since February 28, had severely limited access to the mosque, allowing only staff and officials from the Islamic Waqf to enter. Most worshippers were redirected to smaller mosques across the city. The suspension of Eid al-Fitr prayers at Al-Aqsa marked a historic first since the 1967 occupation of East Jerusalem.

Tensions escalated further when Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the compound on April 6 while it remained closed, prompting widespread criticism.

In parallel, Israeli authorities also shut down the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, underscoring the broader scope of religious restrictions in the city.

Although access to Al-Aqsa has now resumed, uncertainty persists as the state of emergency remains in effect until mid-April, leaving open the possibility of renewed restrictions.

Source: Newstimehub