Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque and head of the Islamic Higher Committee in Jerusalem, expressed that there is no justification for the Israeli occupation authorities' decision to close Al-Aqsa Mosque under the pretext of declaring a state of emergency. He emphasized that the actual aim behind this decision is to establish dominance over the mosque. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Sabri asserted that the occupation often exploits any opportunity to shut down Al-Aqsa, a situation he described as entirely unjustifiable.

Following the closure that began amidst the ongoing tensions related to American-Israeli aggression against Iran, the authorities have prevented worshippers from accessing the mosque, continuing their restrictions for a second day. According to a statement from the Palestinian Governorate of Jerusalem, not only was the mosque closed on Saturday, but all worshippers and judicial court staff present were also expelled, leaving only guards inside. This situation underlines the ongoing struggle for religious access in one of Islam's holiest sites.

Sabri further noted that the occupation's measures are couched in security concerns, claiming that the closure is a form of policing that infringes upon worship freedom. This act suggests that the occupation authorities are exerting control over the mosque, which, as per Sabri, contradicts the principles of religious freedoms and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by worshippers under occupation.