Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem has reopened to Muslim worshippers after a 40-day closure.
Israeli authorities shut the mosque on February 28 amid rising tensions linked to the Israel-Iran conflict.
The mosque reopened at dawn on Thursday. Hundreds of Palestinian worshippers returned to the Al-Haram al-Sharif compound for the first time in weeks.
Many gathered for early morning prayers. Emotional scenes unfolded as worshippers passed through the gates. Some shed tears and offered prayers of gratitude.
During the closure, Israeli forces enforced tight security around the compound. They shut key access points and restricted entry to a limited number of staff and religious officials.
Authorities also imposed restrictions across parts of Jerusalem’s Old City. Several gates remained closed, and access to religious sites was heavily limited.
The shutdown coincided with heightened regional tensions following joint US-Israeli military actions targeting Iran.
The reopening comes amid a fragile lull in hostilities. Thousands of worshippers have already returned for prayers.
Al-Aqsa Mosque holds deep religious and political significance. Its closure—especially during key periods like Ramadan—sparked widespread concern across the Muslim world.
