Access to Jerusalem’s Old City restricted; Palestinians and worshippers barred as Al-Aqsa closure sparks condemnation.
Amid escalating tensions with Iran, Israel has banned Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.
According to Al Jazeera, Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim, head of Israel’s Civil Administration, announced via the Israeli army’s Al Munasiq platform that the decision was taken due to potential Iranian retaliatory strikes and growing regional security concerns.
Officials stated that all holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City, including the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, will remain closed on Friday. Worshippers and visitors of all religions will not be allowed entry during this period.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri strongly condemned the move, stating that Israeli authorities exploit every opportunity to close the Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling the action unjustified and unacceptable.
Under the Israeli restrictions, access to the Old City is limited to residents and shop owners, affecting the movement of Palestinians.
Sheikh Sabri also highlighted that last month, only 10,000 Palestinians were allowed to attend the first Ramadan prayer at the mosque, despite its capacity of nearly 500,000 worshippers.
