JERUSALEM, March 24, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces have maintained the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for the 25th consecutive day, preventing worshippers from accessing it, citing security pretexts related to the American-Israeli-Iranian war.

The ongoing closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque continues alongside the sustained isolation of the Old City, enforced through checkpoints and the heavy presence of Israeli occupation forces, allowing entry only to its residents. This has compelled many Jerusalemites to perform their prayers in the streets, amid widespread economic stagnation and disruptions to education and daily life in the city.

During the past month of Ramadan, Israeli occupation forces prevented worshippers from performing Taraweeh prayers across several neighborhoods of occupied Jerusalem. They deployed around Bab al-Amud and Bab al-Sahira, forcing worshippers to leave the area, dispersing gatherings and halting prayers.

This occurred amid a significant deployment of Israeli forces around Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City, strict movement restrictions, the closure of multiple gates, and the prohibition of gatherings. These measures have also impacted Waqf employees, restricting the number permitted to enter and disrupting the mosque’s daily operations.

The ongoing closure forms part of a wider escalation of restrictions, occurring alongside a comprehensive blockade of the West Bank and rising regional tensions.

T.R.