Why it matters:
Al-Aqsa Mosque is a central religious and political symbol for Palestinians, and access to it remains a key point of contention amid Israeli occupation. Restrictions on worshippers during major religious occasions often escalate tensions.
The big picture:
The prayer took place amid heightened Israeli security measures, which have frequently limited Palestinian access to the mosque.
Despite the restrictions, tens of thousands managed to gather inside the mosque’s courtyard and the Dome of the Rock area, filling the air with the chants of Eid al-Fitr.
Many worshippers were forced to perform their prayers outside the compound after Israeli forces denied them entry.
Key points:
- Around 120,000 Muslims performed Eid prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
- Many were barred from entering, leading to mass prayers outside the compound.
- Prominent Palestinian activist Mohammed Abu al-Hummus was among those prevented from entering by Israeli forces.
Go deeper:
Al-Aqsa Mosque has been at the center of repeated confrontations, with restrictions on Palestinian worshippers fueling tensions. This Eid, as in previous years, access to the site became a flashpoint, highlighting ongoing struggles over religious and political control in al-Quds.
Hossein Vaez
