Israel has barred Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, citing rising tensions with Iran.
Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim, head of the Israeli Civil Administration, announced via the Israeli military’s Coordinator of Government Activities platform that the decision follows security concerns after retaliatory actions from Iran against Israel and the region.
He added that all holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, will remain closed on Friday. No worshippers or visitors of any faith will be allowed entry during this period.
Meanwhile, senior Al-Aqsa imam Sheikh Ikrama Sabri strongly condemned the move, stating that Israeli authorities use every opportunity to close Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is entirely unjustified.
