Occupation Suppresses Worshippers in Jerusalem, Bans Entry to Closed Al-Aqsa
On Friday, Israeli forces dispersed hundreds of worshippers who had gathered to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers in streets and plazas outside the Al-Aqsa compound. The actions came amid a continued closure of the mosque compound that began on 28 February.
The events occurred on 20 March 2026, after Ramadan ended the previous day. Local leaders and witnesses described heavy restrictions at Jerusalem checkpoints that blocked entry for elders and permit holders.
Religious guidance and public response
Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the preacher of Al-Aqsa, issued a fatwa urging people to pray in the streets and plazas leading to the compound. He told Filmogaz.com that those prayers carry the same spiritual reward as praying inside Al-Aqsa.
Organizers and worshippers marched toward gates and nearby squares despite rain and cold. Dozens chanted takbirs at Bab al-Asbat before forces moved in to disperse the crowds.
Clashes, detentions and tactics
Israeli troops fired sound grenades at groups near Bab al-Sahira as they tried to reach the closest points available. Authorities sealed checkpoints around Jerusalem from dawn to impede access.
At least one young man was arrested on Salah al-Din Street on suspicion of gathering to pray. Early in the morning, forces detained Sheikh Fadi Al-Jabirini, imam of the Da’wa Mosque in Beit Hanina, from his home.
Occupation Suppresses Worshippers in Jerusalem
Local officials and rights advocates said the measures amounted to Occupation Suppresses Worshippers in Jerusalem. They described the closures and dispersals as an unprecedented restriction on public worship.
Official statements and legal claims
The Jerusalem governorate issued a statement calling the continued closure an unprecedented escalation. It said the sheltering of Al-Aqsa from worshippers was part of attempts to change the legal and historical status quo.
The governorate stressed that authority over opening and closing the compound rests solely with the Islamic Waqf. It warned against growing settler calls to storm the site after Eid, coinciding with the Jewish Passover.
Bans Entry to Closed Al-Aqsa
Authorities’ actions were summarized by local sources with the phrase Bans Entry to Closed Al-Aqsa, highlighting the enforced denial of access. Officials also reported calls by settler groups to enter the courtyards and perform animal sacrifices.
Historical context and expert analysis
Researcher Ziad Abuhis said Ramadan saw the longest closure of the compound since its liberation from the Crusaders. He noted multiple unprecedented restrictions during the month.
Abuhis listed measures including bans on Friday prayers in Ramadan, the last Friday, Taraweeh, Tahajjud, i’tikaf in the last ten nights, and the Eid prayer. He argued the closures form part of a planned effort to impose control over the compound.
He warned that administrative shifts seek to empower a union of settler organizations and sideline the Waqf. Abuhis described attempts to extend settler visiting hours and to encroach on eastern sections of the compound.
The closure remained in effect on the 21st consecutive day. Local leaders said the restrictions increase tensions and raise fears of further confrontations. Filmogaz.com will continue monitoring developments.
