Hundreds of thousands gather at Al-Aqsa for Eid prayers after 40-day closure
Hundreds of thousands of Muslims gathered at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque on Wednesday to mark Eid al-Adha prayers, weeks after the holy site reopened following a 40-day closure imposed by Israeli authorities.
Footage showed worshippers streaming into the mosque compound from the early hours of the morning, while children handed out sweets and families posed for photos in the courtyards ahead of prayers.
Many worshippers described the return to Al-Aqsa as emotional after restrictions prevented access during key religious celebrations earlier this year.
“We cannot live without Al-Aqsa Mosque. We must pray there every day,” worshipper Abu Mutaz Al-Salima said.
He recalled the difficulties faced during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, when worshippers were prevented from entering the site.
Israel closed the mosque after the outbreak of the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran on February 28. The shutdown lasted 40 days and coincided with Eid al-Fitr in March, marking the first time since 1967 that the site was entirely closed to the public during the holiday.
Another worshipper, Nidal Najm, said the atmosphere this year contrasted sharply with previous restrictions.
“Unlike last year, when Al-Aqsa Mosque was closed and it was not possible to reach it or pray there, thank God now there are large crowds and a very strong turnout,” he said.
Last year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations were also affected by heavy security measures, including checkpoints and identity checks that restricted access for many Palestinians.
Eid al-Adha is one of the holiest occasions in Islam and coincides with the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
