Key Points
- Tensions flare at Al Aqsa as police disperse Muslim worshippers
- Restrictions eased across Israel except the northern border areas
ISLAMABAD: Worshippers from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism returned to Jerusalem’s sacred sites after a 41-day closure linked to the Iran conflict, Agence France-Presse reported, describing scenes of deep emotion and renewed tensions at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound.
According to AFP, Muslim worshippers stood in tears just before dawn prayers at Al Aqsa, Islam’s third-holiest site, marking the first access since the compound was shut during much of Ramadan. Thousands gathered under heavy police deployment, many overwhelmed by the reopening.
Some described the moment as “indescribable happiness,” with one calling it a “miracle” as access resumed following the Pakistan-brokered 15-day ceasefire between Iran and the US, and an agreement to hold talks in Islamabad later on Friday.
The armed conflict began in late February, when the US and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Tehran and killed Iran’s top leadership, including the supreme leader.
Suzan Allam, who arrived with her family, told AFP the return felt like “a party,” reflecting a rare moment of relief in a city long marked by religious and political tensions. Another worshipper said Al Aqsa represented “Jerusalem’s soul.”
However, calm proved reportedly fragile when Israeli police dispersed Muslim worshippers shortly after sunrise to facilitate entry for Jewish visitors, prompting anger among those gathered.
At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christians attended mass at the site revered as the place of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Worshippers emerged visibly emotional, with some in tears.
Uwde Sliman wept as she exited the church, AFP reported, reflecting the intensity of the moment. Imad Marcos, a US-based pilgrim, said he had doubted the site would reopen, calling his visit “a miracle.”
Clergy acknowledged subdued attendance but expressed hope for a gradual return of pilgrims, noting numbers would recover “little by little” in the coming days.
At the Western Wall, Jewish worshippers resumed prayers, with some describing a sense of homecoming.
The Old City of Jerusalem, home to key sites of all three faiths, had remained largely inaccessible since the outbreak of hostilities following a US-Israeli strike on Iran on February 28.
Israeli authorities have since lifted most emergency restrictions nationwide, though limitations remain in northern areas near Lebanon, where tensions involving Hezbollah persist.
