Al-Aqsa Mosque reopens after 40-day closure

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem reopened to Muslim worshippers on Thursday after a 40-day closure imposed by Israeli authorities.

Located in the Old City within the Al-Haram al-Sharif, the mosque welcomed hundreds of Palestinians at dawn, marking the first time collective prayers were allowed at the site in weeks. The reopening led to emotional scenes as worshippers entered the compound, many shedding tears and offering prayers of gratitude.

Large congregations gathered for Fajr prayers, symbolising a return to communal worship at one of Islam’s holiest sites. Witnesses described the atmosphere as deeply moving, with the call to prayer echoing across the compound as gates reopened.

18 Days of Restrictions on Worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

The mosque had been closed since February 28, when Israeli authorities restricted access to staff and officials from the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf. During this period, Palestinians were forced to pray at smaller mosques across the city, as access to the compound remained tightly controlled.

Tensions surrounding the site intensified earlier this week when Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the compound, drawing criticism and increasing scrutiny over the restrictions.

Additionally, authorities barred Eid prayers at Al-Aqsa this year, marking a rare and controversial move not seen since Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.

Jerusalem remains a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state, while Israel considers the entire city its unified capital.

The reopening of Al-Aqsa Mosque is being seen as a significant moment for worshippers, though tensions in the region remain high and the situation continues to be closely monitored.