The Palestinian territories experienced an atmosphere of sadness and anticipation on the morning of Eid al-Fitr following unprecedented restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities, which prevented thousands of worshippers from reaching both Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibrahimi Mosque. In a historic first since the occupation of Jerusalem in 1967, Israeli authorities banned the Eid prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque entirely, allowing only a limited number of guards and staff of the waqf to pray within its walls.

Witnesses reported a heavy police presence in the Old City's alleys, where metal barriers were erected to block access for worshippers. The police also fired tear gas at Palestinians who attempted to pray near the 'Bab al-Sahira' entrance. Despite the ban, the call to prayer resonated from the minarets of Al-Aqsa, while dozens of worshippers gathered to pray on the streets near 'Bab al-Sabagh' and 'Bab al-Amud', only to be forcibly dispersed by the police.

These unprecedented Israeli actions, which also involved keeping Al-Aqsa Mosque closed throughout Ramadan, were justified by the government on the grounds of 'preventing gatherings' amid the ongoing conflict with Palestinian factions. These events mark a significant escalation in tensions in a region already fraught with conflict, further impacting relations between Palestinians and Israeli authorities, and raising concerns over the implications for future Palestinian access to religious sites during sensitive periods.