By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Al-Aqsa Mosque has reopened after being closed for 40 days, as thousands of worshippers gathered for early morning prayers on Thursday.

The mosque, located in Jerusalem, was shut on February 28 when Israel began its military attacks on Iran alongside the United States. Authorities said the closure was due to security reasons.

Israeli police deployed hundreds of officers in the Old City and on roads leading to the mosque compound. Reports said security forces checked identification, blocked some worshippers from entering, and clashed with others at the gates.

According to Palestinian sources, some individuals were denied entry, including activist Munta Amara, while another man was detained inside the mosque courtyard. Despite the restrictions, at least 3,000 people were able to perform the Fajr (dawn) prayer.

The mosque’s director, Omar Al Kiswani, welcomed the return of worshippers and called for people to keep attending prayers regularly. He said the mosque had been waiting for worshippers to return after weeks of closure.

One worshipper, Ibrahim Abu Rmaileh, said the long closure had a strong effect, noting that Al-Aqsa is an important holy site in Islam linked to the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension.

Access to the mosque has often been restricted by Israeli authorities, especially during times of tension. During Ramadan, limits were placed on who could enter, including age restrictions for men, women, and children.

Source: The National