More than 75,000 Palestinians attended Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, despite ongoing Israeli restrictions that have been in place since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. The Islamic Waqf Department confirmed the attendance, as hundreds of Israeli police were deployed around the Old City to monitor the situation. Israeli authorities have limited access to the mosque primarily to East Jerusalem residents and Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, barring many from the West Bank. The mosque had been closed for 40 days prior to its reopening on April 10, which interrupted five consecutive weeks of Friday prayers. This closure also affected religious observances like Eid al-Fitr for the first time since the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem began in 1967.
Why It Matters
The situation at Al-Aqsa Mosque is significant as it is the third holiest site in Islam and a focal point of Palestinian identity and religious practice. The restrictions and closures have led to heightened tensions and frustrations among Palestinians, particularly given the historical context of Israeli occupation since 1967. The mosque’s reopening after a lengthy closure marks a critical moment, as it coincides with broader regional tensions and military confrontations involving Israel. The restrictions on access to religious sites have often been a source of conflict, influencing the dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations and contributing to ongoing violence in the region.
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