DaysofPal- Israeli authorities have continued to enforce a full closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque for the 18th consecutive day, preventing worshippers from accessing the site and raising concerns over plans targeting one of Islam’s holiest places.
Local media sources say that the closure has been extended until the end of Eid al-Fitr. More than 25 staff members from the Islamic Waqf have been denied entry to the mosque during each shift, significantly disrupting its administration and upkeep.
Jerusalem-based sources reported that staff from the manuscript department attempted to allow one additional employee into the compound. Israeli police responded by warning that permitting even a single extra staff member would be met with opening the site to settler incursions.
Concerns have also emerged over increased surveillance within the compound. Sources indicated suspicions that hidden cameras have been installed inside covered prayer halls, along with new monitoring systems providing expanded coverage across the mosque’s courtyards.
Observers warn that the ongoing closure reflects a calculated policy aimed at reshaping control over the site. The measure is widely viewed as part of a broader effort to impose significant changes to the administration of Al-Aqsa.
Researcher Ziyad Ibhais stated that monitoring publications by so-called Temple organizations suggests coordination with Israeli police to maintain the closure until around March 29. This could be followed by a partial reopening during Passover, which runs from April 2 to April 9.
He added that preparations for performing the Passover sacrifice within the mosque compound appear more serious this year than in previous years, unless developments intervene.
For the first time since 1967, worshippers have been barred from praying and participating in spiritual retreats at Al-Aqsa. The mosque remained empty during the final Friday of Ramadan, and worshippers were also prevented from observing Laylat al-Qadr.
The Jerusalem Governorate warned of a sharp escalation in incitement rhetoric led by extremist groups referred to as “Temple organizations,” alongside the continued closure of the mosque.
Officials stressed that the measures cannot be viewed as temporary security steps but rather form part of a political and ideological approach aimed at altering the religious, historical, and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
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