Jerusalem's Holy Sites Reopen: A New Dawn for Worshippers After Conflict

After weeks of conflict, Israel has lifted restrictions on access to Jerusalem's holy sites, allowing worshippers to return just in time for Easter and Ramadan celebrations. The reopening of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall has brought joy to many, with worshippers expressing their relief and happiness. However, the restrictions had previously sparked criticism, particularly when Catholic leaders were barred from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. As the city prepares for significant religious observances, the lifting of these limitations marks a hopeful moment for many faith communities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 9, 2026, 20:20 IST

Worshippers Return to Jerusalem's Sacred Sites

Tel Aviv: After nearly six weeks of conflict with Iran, worshippers in Jerusalem have been granted access to the city's sacred sites once again, as Israel has lifted restrictions on large gatherings.

On Wednesday, Jerusalem's police announced the removal of limitations on all holy sites, deploying hundreds of officers and volunteers throughout the city.

Previously, access to Christian, Jewish, and Muslim sites had been either completely banned or limited to a small number of attendees, particularly during the ongoing conflict when missile strikes from Iran forced many residents into shelters.

These restrictions significantly impacted the observance of Lent, Passover, and Ramadan for many at these revered locations.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which had been closed for much of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday, reopened for dawn prayers on Thursday, as confirmed by the Islamic Waqf, the Jordanian authority overseeing the site.

At the Western Wall, the holiest site for Jewish prayer, numerous men and women were seen engaged in prayer.

The timing of lifting these restrictions coincides with the upcoming Easter celebrations for Orthodox Christians, who will observe the holiday this Sunday, following Catholic and Protestant Easter a week earlier, and just before the traditional Holy Fire ceremony.

On Saturday, thousands of Christians are expected to gather at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, holding unlit candles in the historic basilica believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. The Greek patriarch will ignite the candles, passing the flame from one to another.

Last month, the restrictions faced backlash when Israeli police barred Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for a private Mass on Palm Sunday, a move that drew criticism from the United States and other nations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that there was no 'malicious intent' behind the restrictions, attributing the incident to safety concerns, although Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was later permitted entry on Easter Sunday.

On Thursday, worshippers expressed joy as they entered Al-Aqsa for the first time in weeks.

"It feels like being reborn," remarked Mohammed Al-Qassas, who described the inability to pray during this period as akin to constant hunger.

"It's hard to put this feeling into words... This is one of the happiest moments of my life," said Biljana Vaslic, a tourist from Serbia who had been unable to visit the church until now.

However, some critics accused Israel of using the conflict as a pretext to limit access. Omar al-Kiswani, the mosque's director, stated, "This is a grace from God after 40 days of using the war as an excuse, but God has granted steadfastness in this mosque."

Even prior to the conflict, access to Al-Aqsa was already restricted, with limitations on the number of Palestinians allowed to enter during Ramadan prayers in early February.