Palestinians hold Friday prayers on streets after Al-Aqsa closure

JERUSUALAM: Palestinians performed Friday prayers on the streets on Friday after Israeli forces closed the Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers, citing what they described as a “continued rocket threat coming from Iran”.

Footage shows worshippers performing prayers in the streets, alongside Israeli security forces deployed near the Al-Aqsa compound.

“With Al-Aqsa closed under the current circumstances, we -along with local shopkeepers and those passing by-decided to hold Friday prayers here, as it is a religious duty for Muslims,” stated Abu Muhammad Zeghari.

Israeli police announced that “access to all holy sites in the Old City would be barred to worshippers and visitors on Friday”, saying the decision was aimed at “ensuring the safety of all faiths, worshippers, and visitors amid the security situation and the ongoing rocket threat from Iran”.

The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday. Tehran said it was responding with strikes on Israel and US assets in the region, with explosions reported in countries right across the Gulf.

According to the most recent figures, Iranian media reported over 1200 dead, with six deaths of military personnel admitted by the US side.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was confirmed dead in a strike on Saturday. It comes after a number of rounds of talks between the Americans and Iranians.

“With Al-Aqsa closed under the current circumstances, we – along with local shopkeepers and those passing by – decided to hold Friday prayers here, as it is a religious duty for Muslims”, a local stated.

VARIOUS Israeli forces deployed in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa

“This marks the fifth Friday that Al-Aqsa Mosque has been shut to worshippers since Jerusalem’s occupation. This Friday is especially critical, not just because it falls during Ramadan—a time of deep spiritual significance for Muslims—but also due to the ongoing Israeli measures aimed at restricting prayer at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and exerting control over both Islamic and Christian holy sites.”