Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers, citing security reasons. The mosque was closed on the day of Eid, forcing hundreds of worshippers to pray near its gates and surrounding streets. According to reports, this was the first time since 1967 that Eid prayers did not take place inside the mosque.

The closure led to heightened tension among Palestinians. Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the mosque’s preacher and former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, issued a religious directive urging Muslims to pray as close as possible to the mosque. Al Jazeera reported that when worshippers attempted to gather for Friday prayers, Israeli forces fired tear gas and dispersed them.

The incident occurred amid ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States, with Israel already imposing strict entry restrictions at Al-Aqsa. Observers noted that the closure further escalated regional tensions.