OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Concerns are mounting over the situation at the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) keep the site closed for a fifth consecutive day under emergency regulations, preventing worshippers from entering during the holy month of Ramadan.
Palestinian officials and observers warn that the continued closure, justified by the IOA as part of emergency measures amid regional tensions, may be used to impose new realities at the site and further restrict Muslim access to the Mosque.
Israeli police have barred worshippers from reaching the Aqsa compound and prevented them from performing evening and Tarawih prayers, while Israeli authorities claim the measures are intended to “protect” the compound.
Observers say Israel may be attempting to exploit the broader regional crisis, particularly the ongoing confrontation involving Israel, the US, and Iran, to advance policies aimed at emptying the Mosque of Palestinian worshippers and paving the way for expanded settlement and Judaization plans in Jerusalem.
Hamas condemns closure
The Hamas Movement described the continued closure of the Aqsa as a “blatant attack on freedom of worship,” saying it forms part of a broader plan to impose full Israeli control over the Mosque and establish a new reality under the pretext of emergency measures.
Hamas warned Israeli leaders against escalating such policies, saying attempts to empty the Mosque ahead of potential incursions would face resistance from Palestinians determined to protect the holy site.
Religious and political tensions
Hamas official Majed Abu Quteish said the developments in Jerusalem amount to a “religious war” targeting Muslims at one of Islam’s holiest sites.
He added that the restrictions coincide with intensified closures and checkpoints across the occupied West Bank, which limit Palestinians’ ability to reach Jerusalem for prayers.
Abu Quteish accused Israeli authorities of misleading the international community by claiming they are protecting the Mosque while preventing Palestinians from accessing their religious site.
Calls for mobilization
Amid the escalating measures, Jerusalem-based organizations and Palestinian groups have called on Palestinians to increase their presence in the city and travel to the Aqsa Mosque in order to counter the restrictions.
The appeals urge Palestinians to maintain a strong presence around the Mosque and throughout Jerusalem’s Old City to prevent what they describe as attempts to isolate the compound.
The calls also urged Arab and Muslim countries to take urgent action to protect Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.
Despite the ongoing restrictions, Palestinians say their continued presence and steadfastness remain central to resisting efforts to alter the historic status of the Aqsa Mosque.
