Israel Keeps Al-Aqsa Closed During Ramadan, Citing Wartime Security

Overview

• Israeli authorities maintain the shutdown of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during Ramadan, attributing the decision to safety concerns linked to the conflict with Iran.
• Home Front Command has permitted most workplaces and houses of worship to reopen with a 50-person cap near shelters, yet Al-Aqsa, the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remain closed to worshippers.
• Limited clergy-only prayers were held inside the compound, while many Jerusalem residents prayed at police checkpoints outside the Old City.
• The Jordanian Waqf, which administers the site’s day-to-day affairs, says the decision was not coordinated with it, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the continued closure.
• Local businesses report severe losses tied to the shutdown and travel disruptions, with one East Jerusalem hotelier saying occupancy has plunged to about 2 percent.