A Palestinian source has confirmed that the Israeli authorities plan to keep the Al-Aqsa Mosque closed throughout Eid al-Fitr, effectively barring tens of thousands of Palestinians from attending prayers at the important religious site. This decision aligns with the ongoing state of emergency declared by the Israeli home front, which has been extended until next Wednesday and has already been in effect since at least February 28, when the mosque and the Old City of Jerusalem were closed under similar pretexts.

According to the source, the continued closure of the mosque and the Old City is seen as a significant violation of established agreements regarding the mosque's administration, which is supposed to be overseen by the Islamic Waqf Authority under the jurisdiction of the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf. Officials argue that the closure extends beyond security measures as it deprives worshippers of their rights to practice their faith, notably during the last two Fridays of Ramadan, which are particularly significant for Muslims.

The ongoing situation highlights the tensions between Israeli authorities and Palestinian residents of Jerusalem, particularly regarding access to religious sites. Jerusalem media adviser Maarouf al-Rifai pointed out that the restrictions have led to prevent many from engaging in traditional Ramadan activities such as i'tikaf (spiritual retreat), showcasing a deeper issue surrounding the accessibility of holy sites and the implications for Palestinian worshippers' rights. The implications of such closures raise questions about freedom of worship and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.