Israel bans Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque despite Purim celebrations proceeding

Israel bans Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque despite Purim celebrations proceeding Submitted by Lubna Masarwa on Fri, 03/06/2026 - 14:20 While Israel cites wartime security concerns, Palestinians say the move is aimed at emptying the mosque and redefining access to one of Islam’s holiest sites A drone view shows the Dome of the Rock inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex empty as worshippers are no longer permitted to attend Friday prayers, 6 March 2026 (Ilan Rosenberg/Reuters) Off Israel has banned Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, citing the “security situation” amid the war with Iran, while Jewish Purim celebrations have been allowed to take place elsewhere in the city. Palestinians accuse Israel of using the war as a pretext to empty Al-Aqsa Mosque of worshippers, particularly during Ramadan, when tens of thousands of people would normally gather at the site. Aouni Bazbaz, director of international affairs at the Islamic Waqf, which administers Al-Aqsa Mosque, said the closure could have serious consequences.