Al-Aqsa and other holy sites closed to worshippers
- Mar 5
- 1 min read
Riyadh, March 5, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Worshippers will not be able to access Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers this week after Israel closed Jerusalem’s holy sites due to the ongoing war with Iran, Israeli authorities said.
Brig. Gen. Hisham Ibrahim, head of Israel’s Civil Administration, said the decision was taken as Iranian missile attacks continue to pose security risks.
Ibrahim said the closures were implemented in line with national protective measures, including the state of emergency and restrictions on public gatherings.
“All holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City — including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Western Wall — will remain closed to maintain public safety and protect people,” Ibrahim said in a statement.
The closure will affect tens of thousands of Muslims who normally attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
According to reports, the first two Fridays of the holy month before the war began drew around 80,000 and 100,000 worshippers respectively.
Israeli police said Jerusalem’s holy sites have been closed to both worshippers and visitors since the start of the war.
Authorities have also implemented additional restrictions, including limits on public gatherings, with Israel’s Home Front Command prohibiting assemblies of more than 50 people.
Ibrahim said the measures were part of broader security steps during the conflict, which he described as aimed at addressing threats against Israel and other countries in the region.
[AP | CNN]
