Eid without Al-Aqsa: Worshippers clash as Jerusalem locks down holy sites
Hundreds gathered for Eid al-Fitr prayers outside Al-Aqsa Mosque as Israel shut holy sites amid war tensions, sparking clashes, grief, and fears over unprecedented restrictions.
Hundreds gather in Jerusalem
Hundreds of Muslim worshippers gathered at the gates of Jerusalem’s Old City on Friday (Mar 20) to hold Eid prayers. Amid war with Iran, Israel has closed access to the Al-Aqsa mosque and other holy sites.
‘Catastrophic situation’
A Palestinian man, Wajdi Mohammed Shweiki told AFP, “Today, Al-Aqsa has been taken from us. It’s a sad and painful Ramzan.” The man, who is in his 60s, added, “It’s a catastrophic situation for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for Palestinians in general and for all Muslims across the globe.”
Closure of Jerusalem holy sites
Since Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran on February 28, Tel Aviv has closed access to world-renowned holy sites in Jerusalem, citing security concerns. Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians and the Western Wall for Jews have remained closed.
Missile threats raise tensions
Police limited gatherings to under 50 people nationwide as Iranian missile attacks raised fears. Shrapnel reportedly landed in the Old City, highlighting growing risks in Jerusalem’s densely populated religious areas.
Al-Aqsa closure
According to researchers, it is the first time the Al-Aqsa Mosque has been closed during the last 10 days of Ramzan since 1967. It is the third holiest site in Islam.
Worshippers clash with police
While some prayed peacefully, some in the crowd of worshippers tried to push through the city gates. The police resorted to using kicks or slaps to the head and used tear gas at least twice amid clashes.
Faith and grief in conflict
For many, missing prayers at Al-Aqsa brought deep sorrow. Worshippers described a “broken heart,” as faith, politics, and conflict converged in Jerusalem during one of Islam’s most sacred occasions.
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