US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Israel Bans Eid Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque Amid Security Restrictions - New Straits Times Online
Israeli authorities barred over 100,000 worshippers from Al-Aqsa Mosque during Eid al-Fitr for the first time since 1967, citing security amid Iran conflict.
- On Friday, March 20, 2026, Israeli authorities closed Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslim worshippers for Eid al-Fitr, citing security concerns amid the ongoing war with Iran.
- Authorities implemented a nationwide ban on gatherings of more than 50 people to mitigate potential casualties; this marks the first time the mosque has been closed during Eid since 1967.
- Under heavy police supervision, worshippers gathered to perform prayers outside the Old City gates, while officers occasionally utilized tear gas and physical force to disperse crowds.
- Palestinian man Wajdi Mohammed Shweiki described the situation as "a sad and painful Ramadan" and "a catastrophic situation," as the lockdown prevented families from maintaining traditional kinship ties during the holiday.
- Palestinians fear the closure signals an attempt to permanently alter access rules, with critics comparing the situation to the partitioning of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, eroding the 1967 status quo.
Insights by Ground AI
16 Articles
16 Articles
For the first time in decades, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is closed during Eid al-Fitr, forcing worshippers to pray outside due to tensions. Muslim worshippers gathered outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City to mark Eid al-Fitr after being barred from entering the Al-Aqsa compound. Israeli police fired tear gas as crowds sought space to pray, with many forced to pray in nearby streets. - YouTube www.youtube.com Authorities said the restrictions were …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left3Leaning Right5Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Right
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Right
56% Right
L 33%
11%
R 56%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
