The mosque, located inside the Old City, welcomed hundreds of Palestinian worshippers at dawn. Access to the Al-Haram al-Sharif compound was restored, marking the first time in weeks that collective worship could take place at the site.

Witnesses described emotional scenes as the gates opened and the call to prayer echoed through the area. Many worshippers entered the compound with tears, offering prayers and expressing gratitude in the courtyards.

Large groups gathered for the Fajr prayer, making it the first congregational prayer held at the mosque since its closure. The moment was seen as deeply meaningful for those who had been unable to pray at the site for an extended period.

The closure had been in place since February 28, when Israeli authorities restricted entry to mosque staff and officials from the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf. During that time, many Palestinians were forced to pray in smaller mosques across the city.

Must Read: Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers hold first call since war began: Saudi ministry

Tensions around the site remained high during the closure. On April 6, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the compound, which drew further attention to the situation.

Authorities had also prevented Eid al-Fitr prayers from being held at Al-Aqsa Mosque this year. This was the first such restriction since the occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.