Israel Bars Muslims from Friday Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Al-Quds, MINA – Israeli occupation authorities continue to bar Muslims from Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest mosque in Islam, keeping the site closed since late February under emergency measures linked to the war with Iran, according to Anadolu Agency.

Israeli occupation closed the site after the war began, citing Home Front Command directives banning large gatherings. Israel also closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity’s most important holy sites.

Witnesses told Anadolu that police prevented Palestinians from praying in the streets near the Old City walls, including Salah al-Din Street. Calls had circulated in Jerusalem urging worshippers to pray as close as possible to Al-Aqsa due to its continued closure. Palestinians have instead been praying in smaller mosques across the city.

Israel closed Al-Aqsa after the start of its war with Iran on February 28, citing security concerns, while Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and what it describes as US interests in the region.[]

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)