Israel Closes Al-Aqsa Mosque for 30th Day, Extends Isolation of Jerusalem
Key Takeaways
- Al-Aqsa remains closed for the 30th consecutive day, access denied to worshippers.
- Jerusalem's Old City isolated with checkpoints and heavy security around entrances.
- Muslims barred from Friday prayers for the fourth straight week.
Al-Aqsa Closure Extends
Israel has kept the Al-Aqsa Mosque closed for 30 consecutive days, the longest since 1967.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre remained closed.
Israeli forces imposed strict measures that forced hundreds to pray in nearby streets.
Passover Tensions Rise
Extremist settler groups called for access during Passover from April 2 to 9.
Temple groups continued to incite storming the mosque and performing sacrifices.
Palestinian Mobilization
Popular calls mobilized people toward military checkpoints to break the siege.
“Ammon News - Israeli authorities have continued the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem, preventing worshippers from accessing it for the 29th consecutive day, citing security pretexts”
The Palestinian Authority condemned the closure as unprecedented since 1967.
Wider Implications
The prolonged closure adds tension to the Israeli-American war on Iran.
The Council on Foreign Relations described the campaign as a major shift to pursuing regime change.
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