Israeli forces stormed mosque compound following Fajr (dawn) prayers, forcibly evicted worshippers present inside
JERUSALEM: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 13rd, 2025) In a controversial move, Israel has completely shut down Al-Aqsa Mosque for an indefinite period — the first such closure since the COVID-19 pandemic — preventing Muslims from offering Friday prayers at the revered Islamic site.
According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, Israeli forces stormed the mosque compound following Fajr (dawn) prayers, forcibly evicting worshippers present inside. After clearing the premises, the Israeli military sealed all entrances to Al-Aqsa, denying access to the public. Only employees of the Islamic Waqf — the Jordanian body responsible for managing the mosque — were reportedly allowed entry.
The closure came just hours after Israeli strikes on Iran and amid a complete lockdown imposed across the occupied West Bank, heightening regional tensions.
Speaking to middle East Eye, Awn Bzebz, Director of International Affairs, Tourism, and Diplomacy at the Islamic Waqf, accused Israel of using escalating tensions with Iran as a pretext to further tighten control over Al-Aqsa. He said the justification given by Israeli authorities — that the closure is for public safety — lacks credibility as access has only been granted to Waqf employees.
The move has sparked condemnation from Palestinian officials and religious leaders, who say the indefinite closure of the mosque and the prevention of Friday prayers is a clear violation of the basic right to religious freedom.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in occupied East Jerusalem, holds deep religious and political significance for Muslims worldwide and has often been at the heart of Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
