According to reports, the mosque known as Islam’s third-holiest site has remained under strict closure since late February. Heavy security presence surrounds the area, with Israeli forces sealing entrances and blocking access to thousands of faithful who gather every Friday hoping for a chance to pray.
Authorities claim the restrictions are tied to emergency measures linked to the ongoing tensions involving Israel and Iran. Large gatherings have been banned, and only a limited number of officials from the Islamic Waqf are allowed inside the mosque compound.
Eyewitnesses say the situation on the ground is heartbreaking. Many Palestinians attempted to pray near the Old City, including areas like Salah al-Din Street, but were dispersed by security forces. With nowhere else to go, worshippers have been forced to return to smaller neighbourhood mosques.
In a move that has shocked many religious communities, even the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was shut down — showing how deeply the restrictions are affecting all sides.
The tension is even more intense because these measures extended into the recent Eid al-Fitr celebrations — something many say has never happened in modern history.
With the state of emergency extended and no clear reopening date announced, fears are growing about what could happen next.
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— ThisDay Nigeria
