Israel Closes Al-Aqsa For 21 Days As Palestinians Offer Eid Prayers Outside Mosque Gates

Palestinians were prevented from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque for Eid al-Fitr prayers as Israeli forces sealed off access to the holy site, forcing hundreds of worshippers to gather instead at its gates and in surrounding streets in occupied East Jerusalem.

The closure of one of Islam's holiest sites came as Eid was also marked in war-ravaged Gaza, where families prayed in open spaces and near damaged mosques amid devastation and displacement.

Worshippers Forced to Pray Outside Al-Aqsa

Large numbers of Palestinians assembled at the nearest points they could access around Al-Aqsa Mosque after Israeli forces blocked entry to the mosque compound on Eid morning. Many gathered around Damascus Gate and nearby areas in occupied East Jerusalem, offering prayers outside after being denied access to the courtyards.

The mosque remained shut as Israeli soldiers enforced restrictions around the site, preventing worshippers from entering for the festival prayers that usually draw large crowds at the end of Ramadan.

Al-Aqsa Mosque has now remained closed for 21 straight days, adding to growing anger over access restrictions at one of the most sensitive religious sites in the region.

Jerusalem Authorities Call Closure a 'Dangerous Escalation'

The Jerusalem Governorate strongly criticised the move, describing the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque as a serious escalation and an attack on the right to religious worship.

In a statement carried by Wafa, the governorate said, "These measures aim to impose new Judaizing realities and isolate the mosque from its Palestinian and Islamic surroundings."

The statement also framed the restrictions as part of a broader attempt to alter the character and status of the holy site by separating it from the Palestinian community that surrounds it.

Gaza Observes Eid in the Shadow of Destruction

While access to Al-Aqsa was blocked in Jerusalem, Palestinians in Gaza marked Eid al-Fitr under the shadow of war, siege and large-scale destruction. Families gathered in open areas and outside bomb-damaged mosques to perform Eid prayers, continuing religious traditions despite the humanitarian catastrophe around them.

Scenes from Gaza reflected the scale of devastation, with many residents offering prayers amid rubble and shattered neighbourhoods after months of bombardment and displacement.

Even in these conditions, Palestinians across the enclave continued to observe Eid customs, underlining resilience despite the ongoing crisis.

More Than 1,100 Mosques Reportedly Damaged or Destroyed in Gaza

The destruction of religious infrastructure in Gaza has been extensive since late 2023. According to local reports, Israeli attacks have destroyed more than 1,100 of Gaza's roughly 1,240 mosques.

The scale of damage has left many communities without functioning places of worship, forcing residents to hold prayers outdoors or near the remains of mosques during major religious occasions such as Eid.

The contrast between closed gates at Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and prayers held amid ruins in Gaza has made this Eid especially painful for Palestinians, with both territories experiencing the holy day under severe restrictions and ongoing conflict.