After being closed for 40 days, the iconic Al-Aqsa Mosque reopened to worshippers on Thursday morning, drawing large crowds eager to offer prayers at one of Islam’s holiest sites. Israeli authorities allowed early morning access, marking the end of an unprecedented lockdown that followed recent regional conflicts.
The reopening comes after Israeli officials temporarily closed several holy sites in occupied Jerusalem amid heightened security concerns following the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. The closure had prevented Muslims from performing routine prayers and visiting the sacred compound, fuelling widespread anxiety and concern among the local and international Muslim communities.
As the gates opened at dawn, worshippers streamed into the mosque with a mix of relief and solemnity. Many carried prayer mats and Quran copies, ready to reconnect with their spiritual traditions after more than a month of restricted access. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, with chants and prayers echoing through the mosque’s courtyards.
A massive deployment of Israeli forces was observed, with Israeli authorities monitoring the flow of visitors. Officials quoted in many reports said that the reopening is temporary and subject to change depending on regional developments.
Many religious leaders expressed cautious optimism, noting that access to Al-Aqsa is not only a spiritual matter but also a deeply symbolic act for Palestinians and Muslims worldwide.
