JERUSALEM, March 27, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation authorities on Friday prevented Palestinians from performing Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, which has been completely closed since February 28, citing a state of emergency linked to the Israeli-US war on Iran.

Israeli police maintained their blockade of the mosque's gates, deploying forces around the Old City and preventing worshippers from entering. Since the start of the closure, prayers inside Al-Aqsa have been limited to mosque guards and staff from the Islamic Waqf Department. 

The occupation has also closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most important Christian holy sites worldwide. Eyewitnesses reported that police blocked Palestinians from praying in streets near the Old City walls, including Salah al-Din Street.

Two days ago, the Israeli government extended the state of emergency until mid-April, without clarifying whether the mosque will remain closed for that period. 

Despite condemnations from Arab and Islamic countries, Israeli authorities have refused to reopen the mosque to worshippers.

M.N