Israel's Retaliation of Iran War: Eid Prayers ban at Al-Aqsa
As the holy festival of Muslims’ Eid al-Fitr approaches, there is no good news for Palestinians. Israel has decided to keep the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem closed during the upcoming Eid period and the days that follow.
According to a special report by Middle East Eye, Israeli authorities have already informed the Islamic Waqf, which is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the Al-Aqsa compound, about the decision.
The unprecedented measure has been justified by Israel on the grounds of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Over the past several weeks, access to Al-Aqsa Mosque has been severely restricted. Only 25 Waqf employees are being allowed inside during each shift. Israeli police have also rejected a request to appoint an additional staff member in the manuscript department.
Instead, authorities warned that if any extra Muslim staff enter the compound, Jewish settlers would be allowed regular access to the site.
This marks the first time since Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 that Palestinians have been unable to perform Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa during Ramadan.
On the night of Laylat al-Qadr as well, hundreds of police officers were deployed to prevent worshippers from entering the mosque. As a result, thousands of devout Muslims were forced to pray in the streets of the Old City, creating what many described as a deeply heartbreaking scene.
The atmosphere in the Old City remains tense. The lively markets surrounding Al-Aqsa are now largely deserted. Israeli authorities are allowing movement only for residents of the Old City, effectively turning the area into a besieged enclave. Just a few meters beyond the walls, however, normal life continues-something local residents view as a clear example of Israel’s discriminatory policies.
Dr. Mustafa Abu Sway, a member of the Islamic Waqf Council, said the Old City has never been sealed off in this manner before. He noted that if security concerns were the real reason, worshippers could have been allowed to take shelter in the large underground halls beneath Al-Aqsa, which can accommodate thousands of people. Instead, he said, it now appears that preventing worship is the main objective.
Waqf officials fear that Israel may attempt to turn this “temporary” restriction into a permanent policy. There are also allegations that Israeli forces have installed surveillance cameras inside the mosque and within the Dome of the Rock. Critics say this is an effort by Tel Aviv to establish full control and constant intelligence monitoring over one of Islam’s holiest sites.
So far, eight Muslim-majority countries have strongly condemned Israel’s move. They argue that Israel has no sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque and that the restrictions constitute a serious violation of international law. The international community increasingly views the situation as an infringement on Palestinians’ religious freedom and a possible attempt to alter the long-standing status quo at the site.
