OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)
Al-Aqsa Mosque stood nearly empty at dawn on Friday, as the call to prayer echoed across its courtyards without worshippers present, an image reflecting the deep isolation imposed on the holy site.
For the 35th consecutive day, Israeli occupation police forces have kept the Mosque closed in an unprecedented move, turning what is usually a vibrant center of worship into silent, deserted spaces.
Ongoing closure and escalation
The continued shutdown coincides with a sharp escalation in violations across Jerusalem, with intensified restrictions preventing Palestinians from accessing the Mosque and imposing new realities on the ground.
According to local sources, the sound of the call to prayer in the empty courtyards felt like a “distress signal,” as extremist settler groups increase calls to storm Al-Aqsa and perform ritual sacrifices during the holiday period.
Israeli authorities are also preparing to open the Western Wall area on April 5 to dozens of rabbis for the so-called “priestly blessing,” a move widely seen as part of efforts to expand Jewish religious rituals around Al-Aqsa.
Jerusalem affairs researcher Abdullah Maarouf warned that the current phase is particularly dangerous, noting that such a complete closure of the Mosque has not occurred since the liberation of Jerusalem in 1187.
He added that “Temple” groups are seeking to exploit the holiday season to carry out rituals they view as steps toward building a temple.
Calls for mobilization
In response, Palestinian groups have intensified calls for mass mobilization. Hamas has urged a general mobilization under the slogan “Friday of Al-Masra (Aqsa) and Al-Asra (Prisoners),” amid continued violations against both Al-Aqsa and Palestinian detainees.
An international campaign titled “Al-Aqsa is in danger” has also been launched with participation from Arab and Islamic organizations, aiming to raise global awareness and pressure for an end to the ongoing measures.
Jerusalem-based activists warned that the continued closure is “playing with fire,” stressing that it represents an attempt to impose irreversible realities. They called for increased Palestinian presence around al-Aqsa and reaffirmation of its Arab and Islamic identity.
As tensions mount, attention remains fixed on Jerusalem, where the call to prayer continues to echo through empty spaces, while the situation edges closer to a potential explosion.
