DaysofPal- Israeli occupation forces have maintained a continuous closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque for 38 consecutive days. Worshippers remain barred from entering the site due to stringent security measures and a suffocating siege imposed on the Old City and the mosque’s various entrances. According to notifications sent to the Islamic Endowment (Waqf) in the city, the authorities decided to keep the holy site closed until April 15, marking the longest closure since the occupation of Jerusalem began.
Despite widespread condemnations from Arab and Islamic nations, Israeli occupation forces persist in their refusal to reopen the mosque. In response, Palestinians have issued urgent calls for people to travel toward the site and pray at the nearest accessible points to challenge the restriction.
Growing Outrage and Global Mobilization
The prolonged closure has sparked growing anger, leading to calls for mass mobilization among Palestinians, along with broader appeals to Arab and Muslim communities and international supporters to participate in protests and public gatherings. These actions aim to highlight serious violations affecting the mosque and to reaffirm its religious identity.
With increasing restrictions on the ground, activism has also expanded into the digital space. The International Union of Muslim Scholars has called for a large-scale global online demonstration under the slogan “Al-Aqsa Calls for Help.”
A preparatory conference for this initiative was held in Istanbul via an online platform, bringing together scholars, thinkers, and advocates focused on Jerusalem from across the world. The organization urged activists and social media users to intensify efforts to raise awareness and draw attention to developments concerning the mosque and Palestinian detainees.
Unprecedented Escalation Against Holy Sites
The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs reported that March witnessed an unprecedented escalation targeting Islamic holy sites in Palestine, including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibrahimi Mosque. The ministry reported that Israel prevented the call to prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque dozens of times throughout the month.
The ministry stated that the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is no longer a temporary security measure. It described the policy as a systematic approach aimed at reshaping the religious landscape of Jerusalem by restricting access, controlling the number and age of worshippers, and reducing Palestinian presence at these sites.
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