DaysofPal- Israeli occupation forces have continued to enforce the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for more than 20 consecutive days, preventing Muslim worshippers from accessing the site during a period that includes Ramadan and the upcoming Eid holidays, according to local sources and officials.
The closure has been accompanied by heightened security measures, with forces reportedly dispersing individuals attempting to approach the mosque compound, even in response to a growing social media campaign calling for its reopening.
Observers say the restrictions come amid broader regional tensions, with Israeli forces citing security concerns linked to the ongoing war on Iran.
Reports of rocket debris allegedly falling near the area known as the Jewish Quarter have also been cited as justification for maintaining the closure.
At the same time, concern is mounting over calls by extremist settler groups advocating for the performance of ritual animal sacrifices at the site during the upcoming Passover.
Critics warn that such actions would mark a significant shift in the status quo at one of Islam’s holiest sites.
In controversial remarks, Rabbi Yosef Mizrachi reportedly expressed hopes that a missile strike could destroy the mosque, describing such a scenario as a pathway toward rebuilding the Third Temple.
Jerusalem-based researcher Ziyad Ibhais stated that Ramadan 2026 has witnessed one of the longest closures of the mosque in centuries, noting that, for the first time, Friday prayers, nightly Ramadan prayers, and spiritual retreat practices were all prevented throughout the holy month, where authorities have also indicated that the site may remain closed through Eid al-Fitr.
Ibhais warned that the closure could be part of a broader strategy aimed at asserting Israeli control over the site, describing it as a “calculated move” to isolate the mosque during one of the busiest religious periods for Muslim worshippers.
Local officials in Jerusalem have also raised alarms over intensified campaigns by groups advocating for temple-related rituals, including the introduction of animals for sacrifice inside the mosque compound.
They accuse these groups of using media campaigns, including AI-generated imagery, to mobilize support and normalize such practices.
Meanwhile, activists, journalists, and religious figures have launched an online campaign under the hashtag “We Will Reopen Our Al-Aqsa,” warning that continued restrictions could lead to further escalation.
Social media posts associated with the campaign argue that the closure is not merely a temporary security measure but part of a broader struggle over control of the site.
Analysts note that the situation at Al-Aqsa Mosque remains highly sensitive, with any changes to its long-standing status quo carrying the potential for wider regional repercussions.
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