20/03/2026
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20/03/2026
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RAMALLAH, March 20: Hundreds of Palestinians performed Eid al-Fitr prayers early Friday near the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem after Israeli occupation forces prevented them from entering the mosque’s courtyards, which have remained closed for the 21st consecutive day.
According to the Jerusalem Governorate’s media unit, worshippers gathered at the closest points they could reach, particularly around Damascus Gate and Herod’s Gate. Despite the heavy restrictions, the sound of Eid takbirs echoed through the area as crowds assembled from the early morning hours in a show of religious commitment.
The situation escalated near Herod’s Gate, where Israeli forces reportedly used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse worshippers and prevent them from advancing toward the mosque compound. Authorities also carried out arrests, including that of a young man from Salah al-Din Street, as part of efforts to limit access and control gatherings.
Despite the measures, many Palestinians proceeded to perform Eid prayers in the streets surrounding the Mosque compound, reflecting their determination to observe the religious occasion. Witnesses described scenes of large groups praying in open areas under tight security presence.
The Jerusalem Governorate described the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the restriction on Eid prayers within its courtyards as a serious and unprecedented escalation, warning that such actions constitute a violation of freedom of worship. It further stated that the measures risk altering the status quo and isolating the site from its Palestinian and Islamic surroundings.
Officials called on the international community to intervene urgently to halt the restrictions and ensure the protection of religious rights and access to holy sites in the city. (KUNA)
