Israeli security forces stop Muslim worshippers from praying outside and from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque (photo: AFP)
Tensions have been escalating at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for weeks now amid what Palestinians describe as a significant increase in Israeli limitations, including prolonged closures, tighter restrictions on worshippers and growing calls from Israeli groups to alter the site’s long-standing religious status quo.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound was subjected to an unprecedented full closure lasting 40 consecutive days, with Israeli authorities citing a “state of emergency” linked to the war. During that period, worshippers were completely barred from entering the compound, including for Friday prayers, the last ten days of Ramadan and the Eid Al-Fitr prayer, in a move widely seen by Palestinians as unusual and serious. The closure was accompanied by heavy deployment of Israeli forces around the compound and at the gates of Jerusalem’s Old City, along with widespread closure of shops. Residents said the measures brought daily life to a near standstill, describing them as part of a broader effort to isolate the site and impose new realities affecting its religious and historical status.
Jerusalem-based journalist and Al-Aqsa affairs specialist Ahmad Jalajel said the recent developments pose a “real threat” to the mosque’s religious and cultural future. In an interview with Al-Ahram Weekly, Jalajel said the new measures include increased incursions by Israeli settlers into the compound, along with ongoing restrictions on Palestinian access and prayer. He described the policies as part of a broader Israeli approach aimed at reshaping the demographic and political reality of Jerusalem’s Old City and the surrounding areas.
“These violations could erode the identity of Al-Aqsa as a historic Muslim place of worship,” Jalajel said, warning of long-term implications for its status. He added that while Israeli authorities often justify such measures on security grounds, including by reference to the war or security threats, the policies reflect what he described as a systematic effort to assert control over Islamic landmarks in Jerusalem and alter their character as part of the ongoing settlement expansion. He said the closure of Al-Aqsa represents more than a security measure, calling it a restriction on a central religious and national symbol for Palestinians. “For Jerusalem residents, it means being denied access to a place that is part of their daily identity,” he said.
The period of closure also saw repeated visits to the compound by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who entered through the Mughrabi Gate under heavy police protection, according to Islamic Waqf authorities in Jerusalem. Officials said Ben-Gvir toured the courtyards before exiting along the same route, while Israeli police intensified security measures and closed several gates to the Old City during the visits. The visits come amid growing calls from settler groups to increase access to the compound. Ben-Gvir has entered the site around 14 times since taking office in 2023, in moves Palestinians view as part of a policy of escalation.
The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf said Ben-Gvir’s entry during the closure was a “dangerous step” that undermined the religious sanctity of the site, particularly in the absence of Muslim worshippers. The ministry described the move as a “blatant violation” of a site it said is exclusively for Muslim worship, urging Arab and Islamic institutions to take action and push for reopening the mosque and ending restrictions on access. Jordan, which holds custodianship over the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, also condemned the move. The Foreign Ministry said the visit violated the historical and legal status quo at the compound and warned against attempts to impose new realities, including what it described as efforts to divide the site spatially and temporally.
Despite the restrictions, large numbers of Palestinians returned to the compound following its reopening. Jalajel said the presence of around 100,000 worshippers for the first Friday prayer after reopening sent a “strong message” of continued attachment to the site. He said sustained Palestinian presence at the mosque remains a key way to preserve its character, alongside national unity and international advocacy. Jalajel also called for increased support from Arab and Muslim countries, including diplomatic and political efforts to counter Israeli measures and raise global awareness.
“What is happening at Al-Aqsa is not a series of isolated incidents,” he said. “It is part of a systematic policy aimed at altering the identity of Jerusalem and its holy sites.” He added that Palestinians remain committed to defending the mosque, describing it as an inseparable part of their identity despite mounting challenges. He said that Jerusalem residents can protect Al-Aqsa Mosque through several means, most importantly by maintaining continuous daily presence at the site, which helps counter attempts to impose control over it or alter its character. He also stressed that Palestinian unity — through solidarity, coordination and collective action — remains a key tool in safeguarding the mosque, alongside exerting pressure on international organisations to take a stand against Israeli policies.
Jalajel added that Arab and Muslim countries have a supportive role to play in confronting Israeli plans by launching global awareness campaigns to highlight the violations taking place at Al-Aqsa, noting that raising international awareness could have significant political impact, particularly given the global attention surrounding the Palestinian issue. He concluded by emphasising that the message from Jerusalem’s residents is the need for sustained support in their efforts to defend the mosque, explaining that Palestinians in Jerusalem require strong political and diplomatic backing from Arab and Muslim leaders to halt attempts to alter the city’s identity. He also said the message is that Arab and Muslim leaders must shoulder their responsibilities towards the Palestinian cause, whether by exerting pressure on the international community or by providing material and moral support to Jerusalem residents.
“In the end, what is happening at Al-Aqsa Mosque is not merely a series of occupation measures, but part of a systematic policy aimed at altering the identity of Jerusalem and its holy sites,” he said. “Despite growing challenges, Palestinians continue to assert that Al-Aqsa is an integral part of their identity and that they are prepared to protect it, whatever the cost.”
* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 April, 2026 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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