Israel Bars Friday Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Jerusalem, MINA – Israeli authorities have reportedly barred Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and closed the entire compound to worshippers on Friday, citing security concerns.

The Jerusalem municipality said Israeli police announced the closure of the Al-Aqsa compound and the suspension of Friday prayers following security instructions, according to Palestinian news outlet Palinfo.

In a statement issued Thursday (March 5), Israeli police said the decision was made based on directives from Israel’s Home Front Command in response to the current security situation.

The closure marks the sixth consecutive day that the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has been inaccessible to Palestinian Muslim worshippers.

Read Also: Palestinian Killed, Others Wounded in Fresh Israeli Attacks Across Gaza

Israeli forces had already sealed the mosque complex since last weekend, ordering worshippers to leave the area and preventing them from performing congregational prayers.

Authorities also banned the Isha and Tarawih prayers at the site following the closure.

The move coincided with Israel’s decision to impose a broader closure across the occupied West Bank.

The restrictions were announced hours after large-scale attacks reportedly involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

Read Also: Israeli War in Gaza Kill 11,900 Palestinian Women

Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in occupied East Jerusalem, is the third-holiest site in Islam and frequently becomes a flashpoint in tensions between Palestinians and Israeli authorities, particularly over restrictions on Muslim worship.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

Read Also: Israeli Army Tightens Gaza Blockade With Trench and Embankment Along Yellow Line