politics
March 21, 2026
Israel keeps Al-Aqsa Mosque closed as Muslims mark end of Ramadan
Israel has closed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound over the Iran war, amid the end of Ramadan celebrations
TL;DR
- The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem has been closed by Israeli authorities.
- This closure coincides with Muslims marking Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.
- Worshippers have been denied access to the site for the first time since 1967.
- Israeli forces used tear gas against individuals attempting to reach the Old City.
- The closure is cited as being due to the Iran war, which began on February 28.
- Eight predominantly Muslim nations have condemned the closure as a violation of international law.
- Restrictions also affect Christian holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, potentially disrupting Easter events like the Holy Fire ceremony.
- The Russian Orthodox Church has expressed concern over the potential disruption to the Holy Fire transfer.
Continue reading the original article