Israel closes Al-Aqsa Mosque to Friday prayers

Israel formally cancelled Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. The move forms part of a new wave of restrictions imposed by Israel on the site regarded as the third holiest for Muslims since the start of Ramadan.

Israel’s Civil Administration head, Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim, said via the military platform Al Munasiq on Thursday 5 March that the decision was taken in response to retaliatory attacks launched by Iran against Israel and the wider region.

Since the outbreak of open conflict between Israel, supported by the United States, and Iran, access to Jerusalem’s Old City has been completely closed to the public. Only local residents and shop owners are allowed to cross the security barriers.

The unilateral move drew sharp condemnation from the Grand Imam of Al-Aqsa, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, who asserted that the closure of the house of worship had no credible justification. ‘The occupying authorities exploit every opportunity to close Al-Aqsa. This action is entirely unjustified,’ Sheikh Sabri told Al Jazeera.

While Israel cites security concerns stemming from escalation with Tehran, many observers note that restrictions on Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa have existed long before the war with Iran began. The policy is seen as likely to inflame Muslim anger during the Ramadan month.