JERUSALEM, March 16, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation authorities have continued the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem to Muslims worshippers for the 17th consecutive day, citing security pretexts.

For the first time since 1967, Israeli authorities have prevented worshippers from performing prayers and religious rituals at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as worshippers were absent from the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Jerusalem Governorate had warned of the dangerous escalation in incitement led by extremist so-called "Temple Mount" organizations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque, amidst the ongoing closure measures.

It emphasized that what is taking place cannot be considered temporary security measures, as Israeli authorities claim, but rather part of a political and ideological approach aimed at altering the existing religious, historical, and legal status quo at the mosque compound.

Y.S