Holy sites in Jerusalem reopened to visitors and worshippers after Israeli authorities revised security restrictions imposed during the war with Iran. Access to Al-Aqsa Mosque resumed after a closure lasting from February 28, according to reports from Israel National News and Middle East Eye.
The reopening followed changes to the country’s defensive policy and updated guidance from the Israel Home Front Command. Jerusalem District Commander Avshalom Peled ordered a reinforced security operation across the city, Israel National News reported. Several hundred personnel—including regular police, Border Police units and volunteers—were assigned across sacred locations, the Old City and major roads.
Police said the deployment was intended to preserve safe access, public order and freedom of worship. They asked visitors to follow officers’ directions, remain alert for suspicious objects and report concerns through the emergency hotline.
Middle East Eye reported that Muslim Palestinians had been barred from Al-Aqsa throughout the closure, including during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Its account also documented closures at Christian destinations, naming the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and said Easter attendance had been blocked.
The reopening order covered Jerusalem’s holy sites generally, while the supplied reporting specifically confirmed that Muslim worshippers were once again entering Al-Aqsa. The increased police presence showed that officials were easing access restrictions while retaining heightened security measures around the Old City.
The change restored public prayer at one of Jerusalem’s most sensitive religious locations after nearly six weeks of restricted access. It also reopened a route toward regular worship at other sacred sites, subject to the security instructions and police controls in force across the city.
