Al-Aqsa Mosque Reopens in East Jerusalem After 41 Days

In East Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Mosque has officially reopened its doors for worship following a 41-day closure, drawing approximately 3,000 Muslims for morning prayers. Israeli authorities had shuttered the historic site on February 28 to prevent mass gatherings amid joint U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. While the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department welcomed the long-awaited reopening, arriving worshippers faced strict Israeli security measures, including identity checks and reported clashes at the entrance gates. Tensions at the holy site remained high shortly after the morning call to prayer, as Israeli settlers entered the mosque complex under police protection.