06.03.2026 16:46
Due to the restrictions imposed by Israel citing attacks on Iran, Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem were conducted only by the foundation officials. Palestinians are experiencing the sadness of being unable to pray at Al-Aqsa, which has been closed throughout Ramadan.
Due to Israel's restrictions citing the attacks it initiated against Iran in collaboration with the USA, Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem were only performed by the officials of the foundation.
Since the beginning of the attacks on Iran, Israel has kept the doors of Al-Aqsa closed on the grounds of a gathering ban. Since February 28, only security personnel and employees of the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department have been present at Al-Aqsa; these individuals recite the call to prayer at the designated times and perform the prayers.
Palestinians were unable to perform Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa, which Israel has kept closed due to its restriction measures and did not open on the third Friday of Ramadan.
Palestinians, who were not allowed to enter Al-Aqsa, the third holiest site for Muslims, performed Friday prayers in the Ras el-Amud neighborhood of East Jerusalem. Only the foundation officials performed their prayers there to ensure that Friday prayers were not missed at Al-Aqsa. The closure of Al-Aqsa and the inability to perform Friday prayers during Ramadan deeply saddens Palestinian Muslims.
"AL-AQSA IS OUR PART, WE ARE A PART OF AL-AQSA"
Palestinian Nefis Huveyr, living in Jerusalem, told AA reporter that the closure of Al-Aqsa is unacceptable, stating, "Al-Aqsa is our part, we are a part of Al-Aqsa."
Huveyr emphasized that he is very sad and in pain, expressing that he went around the surroundings of Al-Aqsa but was not allowed inside, and that it is impossible to understand this.
Huveyr mentioned that Israel has previously issued many decisions to keep him away from Al-Aqsa, but even if he cannot go, seeing those who do brings him some comfort. He stated, "The removal of the entire community, all Muslims, and the closure of Al-Aqsa is unacceptable. It is a declaration of war against these mosques, these holy places. It is impossible for us to understand this. It pains us."
"THE OCCUPIERS ARE CRUEL, MERCILESS"
The Palestinian woman stated that Israel had previously detained her and issued a decision to prevent her from approaching Al-Aqsa by more than 100 meters, explaining that despite having foot problems, she comes to the Mount of Olives every day to see Al-Aqsa.
Huveyr conveyed that her home is a 2-minute walk from Al-Aqsa, yet due to the removal decision against her, she tries to perform the Taraweeh prayers in the closest place to Al-Aqsa, regardless of whether it is winter or cold outside, saying, "The occupiers are cruel, merciless. I cannot find words to express my sorrow."
ISRAEL'S RESTRICTIONS
In a statement from the Israeli police, it was noted that as part of the restrictions imposed after the attacks on Iran, worshippers and visitors wishing to enter holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, would not be allowed entry.
Similar restrictions also apply to other religious sites in Jerusalem; among these is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Holy Tomb), considered one of the holiest churches for Christians worldwide.