Al-Aqsa Mosque reopens after a 40-day illegal closure by Israeli occupation forces. Read how Palestinian worshippers defied stun grenades and violence to pray outside the gates during Ramadan and Eid.
A Joyous Return Amidst Ongoing Oppression
In a powerful display of unbreakable faith, Palestinian worshippers have finally returned to the sacred compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the gates were opened for dawn (Fajr) prayers for the first time in 40 agonizing days, ending a brutal period of closure enforced by the illegal Israeli occupation.
Ibrahim Abu Rmaileh, a Palestinian resident of Jerusalem, captured the profound relief of the community, stating, "I thank God for opening it for us, and I was prostrating to God in gratitude for opening it, hoping that it will stay open and will not close." He highlighted the deep spiritual wound the closure inflicted, noting that the mosque is the site of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ ascension, and being prevented from entering "greatly affected us."
Defying Apartheid Violence in the Streets
The 40-day blockade by Israeli authorities was total and merciless. Absolutely no exceptions were made, completely locking Muslims out of their third holiest site during the most sacred days of Ramadan and the subsequent celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
However, the resilience of the Palestinian people could not be contained by iron gates. As a direct result of the closures, devoted Muslim worshippers took to praying in the streets and alleyways outside the gates of Al-Aqsa. This peaceful act of worship was met with the familiar brutality of the apartheid regime. Israeli police regularly pushed back the crowds, deploying stun grenades to disperse Muslims attempting to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, and violently dragging away men who were simply trying to pray during the final, blessed nights of Ramadan.
The occupation authorities justified this draconian measure by citing "security concerns" and the need to block "large gatherings," using the pretext of a new war with Iran initiated alongside the US to further suppress Palestinian religious freedom.
The Mosque Longed for Its Worshippers
The emotional toll of the empty courtyard was felt deeply by the caretakers of the sanctuary. Sheikh Omar Al-Kiswani, the Director of Al-Aqsa Mosque, poignantly described the 40 days as a period where the mosque was "in a state of sadness, due to the lack of worshippers."
Expressing his immense gratitude for the return of the people, Sheikh Al-Kiswani stated, "After 40 days (of closure), Al-Aqsa Mosque was longing for its worshippers." He issued a resolute call to the Ummah: "Our message is to set out for Al-Aqsa Mosque at all times, so that it remains full of worshippers and prayers, God willing."
The reopening of Al-Aqsa is not a gift from the occupier; it is a testament to the unyielding spirit of a people who refuse to surrender their sacred heritage.