Thousands Pray at Al-Aqsa as Israel Lifts 40-Day Access Ban

Thousands of Palestinians flocked to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on April 9, 2026 after Israeli authorities lifted a 40-day ban restricting Muslim worshippers' access to the holy site. The lifting of the restriction — imposed during a period of heightened tensions — allowed large numbers of Palestinian men and women to enter the compound for prayers for the first time in over five weeks. Al-Aqsa, Islam's third holiest site located on the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound, has historically been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Restrictions on Muslim access to the site have repeatedly triggered tensions and protests. The resumption of broad access was welcomed by Palestinian officials and Muslim worshippers, though the terms and duration of the renewed access arrangement were not immediately specified.