Jerusalem Holy Sites Reopen After 40-Day Closure Amid Iran Ceasefire
Israeli authorities reopened Jerusalem’s holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Western Wall, following a fragile ceasefire between Israel, the US, and Iran. The sites had been closed for over 40 days since a joint US-Israel assault on Iran began, barring access even during Ramadan and Easter. While thousands of worshippers returned in relief, tensions persist due to extended settler raid hours at Al-Aqsa and ongoing conflict with Hezbollah on the northern border, marking a tentative de-escalation in the region.
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Muslims Hold First Friday Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque After Reopening
Thousands of Muslim worshippers gathered at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem to perform Friday prayers, marking the first such congregation since the site's reopening. The holy site had been closed for 40 days by the Israeli army, which barred access following the onset of the war on Iran. This event signifies a significant moment for the faithful, as Al-Aqsa is recognized as Islam's third-holiest site. The reopening allows residents and visitors to return to the compound after a prolonged period of restriction imposed during the regional conflict. The atmosphere was described as one of relief and religious devotion as the community resumed its traditional weekly rituals. The closure had sparked widespread concern and tension among Palestinians and the broader Muslim world, who view access to the mosque as a fundamental right. The Israeli military's decision to lift the ban comes amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This development highlights the intersection of religious freedom, military occupation, and regional security dynamics, drawing attention from international observers and local communities alike as normalcy attempts to return to the contested holy site.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraOver 100,000 Worshippers Gather for Friday Prayers at Reopened Al-Aqsa Mosque
More than 100,000 Muslim worshippers convened for Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, marking a significant return to normalcy following the site's reopening. The Islamic Waqf, the Jordanian authority administering the holy site, reported the large turnout after the mosque reopened on Thursday. This development follows a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which helped de-escalate tensions stemming from a conflict initiated by a US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28. Prior to this truce, major religious sites in Jerusalem's Old City, including Al-Aqsa, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, had been shuttered since the war's onset, preventing access even during the holy month of Ramadan. While Israeli authorities have lifted most emergency restrictions linked to the war, strict controls remain in place for Palestinians from the West Bank seeking entry, governed by age and permit quotas. Additionally, security measures persist along the northern border with Lebanon due to ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah. The event highlights the fragile stability in the region as worshippers express hope for continued access to the third-holiest shrine in Islam amidst lingering geopolitical uncertainties.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastFirst Friday Prayers Held at Al-Aqsa Mosque Since Start of Iran War
Palestinian worshippers gathered for Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City on April 10, 2026, marking the first time access was granted in 40 days. The resumption of worship coincides with a two-week ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the joint forces of the United States and Israel. Access to the holy site had been barred by Israeli authorities since February 28, when the joint assault on Iran began. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is governed by the decades-old Status Quo agreement, which recognizes its Islamic character and grants Muslim authorities control over access, worship, and maintenance. This event highlights a temporary de-escalation in religious tensions amidst the broader regional war. Images from the scene show Muslim men attending prayers, underscoring the significance of the site to the faithful after a prolonged period of exclusion. The ceasefire provides a brief window for normalcy in Jerusalem, although the underlying geopolitical conflict remains unresolved.
Section FeedJerusalem's Holy Sites Reopen Following Truce with Iran
Following a truce with Iran, Jerusalem's major holy sites have reopened for the first time in 41 days, ending closures triggered by the US-Israeli attack on February 28. Muslim worshippers returned to Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jews to the Western Wall, and Christians to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, marking a moment of profound emotional relief and celebration. Thousands gathered at Al-Aqsa for dawn prayers under heavy police presence, while Christians celebrated mass and Jews performed rituals including a bar mitzvah at the Western Wall. The reopening coincides with Israeli authorities lifting most state-of-emergency restrictions, though the northern border near Lebanon remains active due to ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. This event signifies a temporary de-escalation in the region, allowing believers to reconnect with their sacred spaces after a month of exclusion.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastIsrael Lifts Restrictions at Jerusalem Holy Sites Following Ceasefire
On April 9, 2026, Israel lifted restrictions at major holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City following the announcement of a fragile ceasefire between Iran, Israel, and the United States. The resumption of access allowed worshippers from various faiths to return to key religious landmarks. Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III performed the Washing of the Feet ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, while Ethiopian Orthodox Christians prayed at Deir Al-Sultan monastery. Simultaneously, Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men gathered at the Western Wall, and Muslim worshippers returned to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, including the Dome of Rock. Local markets also reopened as life in the Old City began to normalize. This development marks a significant de-escalation after a period of heightened tension involving direct negotiations between the three nations.
AP NewsIsrael Reopens Al-Aqsa Mosque After 40-Day Closure Amid Regional Tensions
Israeli authorities have reopened the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem following an unprecedented closure lasting over 40 days. More than 3,000 Palestinian worshippers returned to perform dawn prayers on April 9, 2026, marking the first time access was granted since a joint US-Israel assault on Iran began on February 28. During the closure, Israel barred Muslims from the holy site even during critical religious observances like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Footage released online depicts volunteers cleaning the premises and large crowds entering with visible relief. While the mosque has reopened, reports indicate that Israeli authorities simultaneously extended the hours for settler raids in the area, maintaining a tense security environment.
Section FeedIsrael Reopens Al-Aqsa Mosque After 40-Day Closure Amid Extended Settler Raids
Israeli authorities have reopened the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem after an unprecedented closure lasting over 40 days, which began following a joint US-Israel assault on Iran. More than 3,000 Palestinian worshippers returned for dawn prayers, marking the first access since the site was barred during Ramadan and Eid. While Israel cited security concerns related to the war with Iran, Palestinians and local officials argue the closure was a pretext to tighten control over the holy site. Simultaneously, Israeli authorities extended the hours for ultra-nationalist settler incursions into the mosque compound. The new schedule allows raids from 6:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm daily, totaling six and a half hours. The Jerusalem Governorate condemned this extension as a dangerous escalation that undermines the Status Quo arrangement governing the site.
Section FeedAl-Aqsa Mosque Reopens Following Weeks-Long Closure by Israel
Israeli authorities have lifted weeks-long restrictions on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, allowing Muslim worshippers to enter for the first time since February 28. This marks the first total closure of one of Islam's holiest sites since the start of the occupation in 1967. The ban was implemented without exceptions, even during the holy month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Concurrently, Christian holy sites in the Old City, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, were closed, preventing worshippers from attending Easter celebrations. The reopening comes amidst a broader regional conflict context, specifically following the start of the war on Iran, as noted in the report's headline context.
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