Exclusive: Israel to keep Al-Aqsa Mosque closed through Eid al-Fitr and beyond

AI Summary

Israel has decided to keep Al-Aqsa Mosque closed through Eid al-Fitr and beyond, citing security concerns amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. The closure, unprecedented during Ramadan, has been condemned by Palestinians as an attempt to exploit security tensions to further restrict access to one of Islam's holiest sites. Israeli authorities informed the Islamic Waqf of the decision in recent days.

Exclusive: Israel to keep Al-Aqsa Mosque closed through Eid al-Fitr and beyond Israel is set to keep Al-Aqsa Mosque closed through the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr and beyond, Middle East Eye has learnt. Sources familiar with the occupied East Jerusalem mosque’s affairs said Israeli authorities informed the Islamic Waqf, the body responsible for administering the site, of the decision in recent days. Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam, was closed by Israeli authorities earlier this month, citing the “security situation” amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. The unprecedented closure, particularly during the month of Ramadan, has been condemned by Palestinians as the latest attempt by Israel to exploit security tensions to impose further restrictions and consolidate control over Al-Aqsa. Read more: Exclusive: Israel to keep Al-Aqsa Mosque closed through Eid al-Fitr and beyond A drone view shows the Dome of the Rock in Al-Aqsa Mosque amid heavy restrictions on worshippers accessing the holy site, 6 March 2026 (Reuters/Ilan Rosenberg)